JP7450899B2 - Electronic information systems and their programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic information system and its program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic information systems include electronic devices capable of acquiring driving-related information, such as navigation devices installed in vehicles such as cars and bicycles, and microwave receivers (radar detectors) installed in cars. Furthermore, electronic devices such as smartphones and personal computers are examples of electronic information systems that can acquire a variety of information used on a daily basis.
In these electronic information systems, users obtain information by pressing input switches attached to devices to input information, or by actually touching and operating operating means. I try to do that. Patent Documents 1 and 2 are cited as examples of electronic information systems equipped with such conventional input means and operation means.
The electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a drive recorder device that is attached to the windshield inside an automobile with double-sided tape or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the drive recorder device includes a switch section 20, a display section 21, and a volume dial 23.
Further, the electronic device of Patent Document 2 is a microwave detection device that also serves as a rearview mirror that is attached to a rearview mirror that is installed by default in a car. This device displays various information on a display panel 13 located on a part of the mirror surface by touching a touch screen 16 that also serves as a mirror surface and performing an input operation.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-105530 JP2012-66640A

However, in the drive recorder device of Patent Document 1, for example, the volume dial 23 as an operating means is attached to the housing as a separate component, so the weight of the volume dial 23 and related components is added, increasing the weight of the device. . Adding weight is not preferable when attaching to a windshield using such an adhesive method. Furthermore, the number of parts increases, leading to higher costs. On the other hand, in the microwave detection device of Patent Document 2, the touch screen 16 that also serves as a mirror surface serves as the operation means, so the number of parts involved in operation is reduced and the weight is reduced, but input is not possible unless the mirror surface is actually touched. This is not possible, and there is a risk that the mirror surface will get dirty by touching it.
For these reasons, there has been a need for a means that can eliminate or reduce the need for operating members for acquiring information in electronic information systems, and that can also acquire information without directly touching equipment. Therefore, there is a device that recognizes a user's gesture and performs predetermined processing based on the recognition result. However, with such devices, for example, the user is not able to recognize himself until the device notifies him of the success or failure of gesture recognition or the start of a predetermined process corresponding to the gesture. However, while the user is gesturing, it is difficult to determine whether the gesture is correct and can be recognized by the device. . For example, there have been cases where the user repeatedly attempts the same gesture, thinking that the gesture is recognizable by the device, even though the gesture is unrecognizable by the device. For example, the gesture state is an action that the device can recognize, but it is noticeable in cases where the device cannot recognize the object because the object to be recognized, such as the user's hand, is in a position that the device cannot recognize. There was a problem.
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an electronic information system and its program that can make a device realize a desired function more reliably than before without directly contacting the device. Our goal is to provide the following.

In order to achieve the above object, as means 1, an electronic information system that performs predetermined processing based on the recognition result of a gesture by a user is provided with a control means that controls the output of a sound during recognition of a gesture. Good.
With this configuration, the user can be informed by sound that the gesture is being recognized. Therefore, it is possible to cause the device to execute desired processing more reliably than in the past. Therefore, it is possible to make the device realize the desired function more reliably than in the past. Furthermore, for example, when a gesture is not being recognized, at least one of a configuration that outputs a different sound from that during gesture recognition or a configuration that does not output the sound may be provided. In this way, the user can know from the sound whether or not the gesture is being recognized. Also, since a sound is output during gesture recognition, gesture training can be performed by gesturing to output this sound. Furthermore, it is preferable that a sound indicating whether or not the gesture recognition is successful is output, and the sound indicating whether or not the gesture recognition is successful is different from the sound output during the recognition of the gesture. In this way, the user can more reliably know whether or not the gesture is being recognized and whether or not the gesture recognition has been successful. Therefore, the user can more reliably know from the sound whether or not the gesture is being recognized, and can make a gesture to output a sound indicating that the gesture is being recognized, and as a result, a sound indicating that the gesture is successful is output. It is also possible to conduct gesture training to ensure that the user can achieve the desired function, such as by practicing gestures.

Here, "performing a predetermined process based on the recognition result of a gesture" may mean, for example, a configuration in which a predetermined process is performed according to the mode of the gesture after the gesture is recognized, such as a predetermined process. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which gestures are realized as input information. Here, the "predetermined process" may be, for example, a configuration in which information is provided from the electronic information system as a result of recognizing a gesture. More specific predetermined processing may include, for example, auditory processing such as generating a sound or changing the volume. The sound may include, for example, an alarm sound, information transmission by voice guidance such as "Please be careful", music, etc., regardless of whether there is a scale or not. Further, for example, visual processing may include displaying information on a display screen, erasing displayed information, changing displayed information, etc. Further, it is preferable that the gesture recognition result drives some kind of actuator to perform mechanical or hydraulic/pneumatic control. For example, it may be possible to release or lock a lock device, open/close a door, etc. It may be configured to recognize a plurality of different gestures and realize different functions depending on the recognized gestures. For example, it may be configured to recognize a plurality of different gestures and perform different processing depending on the recognized gesture. In particular, in a configuration that has a function of recognizing a plurality of different gestures and performs different processing depending on the recognized gesture, it is preferable to output different sounds during recognition of different gestures. In this way, the user can understand what processing may be performed during recognition of the gesture. In particular, as a configuration for outputting different sounds during recognition of different gestures, a configuration for outputting different sounds during the process of different gestures is preferable. In this way, the user can determine whether or not the gesture is being recognized correctly during the process until the recognition of the gesture is completed. Therefore, if the gesture is recognized as an incorrect gesture, if you stop the gesture midway through, the gesture will be recognized as an unintended gesture, and as a result, an unintended process will be executed and an unintended function will be realized. , can be prevented during gestures.
"During gesture recognition" may be, for example, a part of gesture recognition, a large part of gesture recognition, or the entire gesture recognition. In particular, "during gesture recognition" may be defined as a period during which gesture recognition can be performed in gesture recognition processing. In particular, it is preferable to continuously output sound while the gesture is being recognized in the gesture recognition process. In particular, even in a configuration where the sound is changed during recognition, it is preferable to output the sound continuously so that there is no interruption when changing the sound.
In this way, when the sound during gesture recognition starts, it is known that gesture recognition has started, and when the sound during gesture recognition stops, it is known that gesture recognition has stopped. Therefore, the user can more reliably achieve the desired function, and gesture training becomes easier.
The "electronic information system" may be, for example, a system that is mounted on a vehicle, carried by a user, or installed indoors so that the user can access and obtain information. The electronic information system mounted on the vehicle may be, for example, an electronic device such as a navigation device, a radar detection device, or a drive recorder. The electronic information system carried by the user or installed indoors may be, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a TV device, an AV device, or the like.

Further, as means 2, it is preferable that the control means outputs sounds at different timings during gesture recognition.
In this way, by outputting the sound not only once but multiple times at different timings, it is possible to more reliably understand that a gesture is being recognized. In particular, the "different timing" may be a timing that indicates the gesture recognition process. In this way, the user can understand the gesture recognition process from whether different sounds are output. Further, for example, the "different timing" may be the timing at which a change in the position of the object to be recognized is detected. In this way, the user can easily understand from the sound whether the object is moving to an appropriate position. Furthermore, the sounds to be output at different timings may be configured to create different sound patterns according to predetermined processing, for example. In this way, the user can easily understand and confirm the content of the predetermined process from the sound pattern. In addition, even if the user does not actually recognize the content of the predetermined process, the user can understand that various sound patterns are output in relation to the predetermined process, and can actually touch the operation means. Users can experience an unprecedented level of operational interest compared to the case where
Moreover, as means 3, it is preferable that the sounds output at the different timings include different types of sounds.
In this way, by outputting different types of sounds as sounds that are output at a plurality of different timings, variations in sound patterns can be created, and the user's ability to recognize sound patterns can be improved. The "different types of sounds" may include, for example, different tones (high and low), different sound qualities (timbres), or a mixture of different types of sounds. Even the same tone can be recognized as different types of sounds by changing the sound quality. Also, as above, even if the user does not actually recognize the content of the predetermined processing in relation to the sound, it is possible for the user to understand that different types of sounds are being output in relation to the predetermined processing. This allows users to experience an unprecedented level of operational interest compared to when they actually touch the operating means.
Furthermore, as means 4, the sounds output at different timings may include different types of sounds depending on the difference in approach distance to the gesture detection means for recognizing gestures.
By generating different types of sounds depending on the approach distance in this way, the user can recognize the degree of approach to the gesture detection means based on the sound. In addition, even if the user does not actually recognize the relationship between sound and the degree of proximity, different types of sounds are output along with the gesture, which is unprecedented compared to when the user actually touches the operation means. You can feel the excitement of the operation. There are detection devices using several methods as "gesture detection means". For example, a gesture sensor is a detection device equipped with a gesture sensor that detects the movement of an object by shining infrared light from an infrared light emitting element onto an object and capturing changes in the reflected light with a light receiving element. Instead, a detection device equipped with a gesture sensor that uses ultrasonic waves, a detection device equipped with a gesture sensor that utilizes changes in capacitance due to gestures, etc. can be used. The approach distance may be the distance between the recognition target and the detection device of the gesture detection means. The recognition target object can be various objects, such as a stick, but preferably a part of the human body. Especially good for hands.

Further, as means 5, it is preferable that the control means outputs the sound based on a gesture that stops for a certain period of time or more.
Such a gesture of stopping is a gesture that is very easy for the user to understand and can be easily learned, so it may be a gesture that the user is asked to perform. The predetermined period of time for stopping, which is a condition for outputting sound, is a length that allows the user to understand that the sound has stopped, and is preferably about several seconds, for example. For example, this length may be changed by changing the settings. Further, as long as the gesture detection means can detect the stop position, the motion may be detected somewhere within a certain width area.
For example, it may be close or far from the gesture detection means. The same predetermined process may be performed regardless of the approach distance to the gesture detection means, but it is preferable to perform different predetermined processes depending on the approach distance to the gesture detection means. When performing different predetermined processes, it is preferable to output different sounds according to the different processes. In this way, the user can easily understand which gesture the stop position being recognized corresponds to and which process is expected to be executed during gesture recognition. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent processing that is not intended by the user from being performed as a result of the gesture being recognized being recognized as being different from the user's intention. Furthermore, it is easy to understand at what position the user should stop the gesture, which gesture will be recognized, and what processing will be performed.
Further, as means 6, it is preferable that the control means outputs the sound based on a gesture of stopping for a certain period of time or more after movement.
Such a gesture of stopping for a certain period of time after movement is also a gesture that is very easy for the user to understand and can be learned easily, so it may be a gesture that the user is asked to perform. Specifically, for example, it is preferable to make a gesture such as moving the gesture detecting means across the front and stopping at a position where the gesture detection means can be detected.

Further, as means 7, it is preferable to associate the gesture pattern with the sound to be output.
This allows the user to understand the content of a predetermined process by performing a certain gesture and listening to a certain pattern of sounds output. Furthermore, even if the user does not actually recognize the content of the predetermined process, the user can understand that various sound patterns are output in relation to the predetermined process. Moreover, compared to the case where the user actually touches the operating means, the user can experience an unprecedented level of interest in the operation. Here, the "sound" may be outputted as a melody by outputting a tone of a certain scale only once or multiple times, or outputting the same scale or melody in patterns that differ only in sound quality. In this way, the user can easily understand which gesture pattern corresponds to which sound and which process is expected to be executed based on the sound during gesture recognition. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent processing that is not intended by the user from being performed as a result of the gesture being recognized being recognized as being different from the user's intention.
Moreover, as means 8, it is preferable to output a plurality of the same sounds depending on the detected distance during recognition of the gesture, regardless of the pattern of the gesture.
This allows the user to recognize that the user is stopping at a certain distance, for example by repeating the same sound when performing a gesture to stop, for example if the hand is shaking or the hand is not able to stop properly due to vibrations. In such cases, it becomes possible to objectively recognize whether or not the system has "stopped."
Further, as the means 9, it is preferable that, after recognition of the gesture, different types of sounds are output for each different predetermined process, depending on the difference in the predetermined process to be executed after the recognition of the gesture.
This allows the user to understand the content of a predetermined process to be executed by listening to the different sounds output as a result of executing a certain gesture. Further, even if the user does not actually recognize the content of the predetermined process, the user can understand that various sounds are output in relation to the predetermined process. Moreover, compared to the case where the user actually touches the operating means, the user can experience an unprecedented level of interest in the operation. Here, the "sound" may be, for example, outputting a certain scale's sound only once or multiple times as a melody, or outputting the same scale or melody in patterns that differ only in sound quality.

Further, as the means 10, it is preferable that the control means generates a sound according to the distance when a gesture is made to approach from a distance.
Further, as the means 11, it is preferable that the control means generates a sound according to the distance when making a gesture to move the object far away.
By generating sounds according to the difference in approach distance when making gestures such as these that approach from a distance or move away from a distance, users can understand the predetermined processing performed by such gestures by the sounds accompanying the gestures. can be recognized.
For example, if the device is approaching from far away, a certain sound pattern will be output and the volume output by the device will be increased; if the device is moving away from it, a different sound pattern will be output and the volume will be reduced. That's it.
Here, there may be one or more sounds depending on the difference in approach distance. Further, different types of sounds may be included. If there are multiple sounds, the number of sound patterns increases, making it easier for the user to understand and confirm the content of a predetermined process from the sounds. The gesture may be a series of gestures in which the object is approached from a distance and then moved away from the object.

Further, as the means 12, it is preferable that the control means generates a sound according to the approach direction when a gesture is made to approach from a distance.
Further, as the means 13, it is preferable that the control means generates a sound corresponding to the direction of separation when making a gesture to move the object far away.
By generating sounds according to the difference in the approach direction when making a gesture to approach from a distance or a gesture to move away from a distance, the user can understand the predetermined process performed by such a gesture by listening to the sound accompanying the gesture. can be recognized by its relationship with For example, when approaching from a distance below, a certain sound pattern is output and the volume is increased, and when an approach is from above and from a distance, a different sound pattern is output and the volume is decreased. Alternatively, in the case of moving downward and far away, a certain sound pattern is output and the light intensity of the display screen is increased, and in the case of moving upward and far away, a different sound pattern is outputted and the light intensity of the display screen is increased. It's like making it smaller. In other words, different gestures result in different processing being performed with each unique sound, and the user can hear the sound and recognize that the processing corresponding to the sound has been performed. Furthermore, even if the user does not actually recognize the content of the predetermined processing in relation to the sound, it can be understood that various sounds are output in relation to the predetermined processing, and the sound differs depending on the direction. For this reason, the user can experience an unprecedented level of interest in the operation compared to actually touching the operating means. The number of sounds depending on the difference in approach distance may be one or multiple as described above. Further, different types of sounds may be included.

Further, it is preferable that the means 14 include a first spatial region in which gestures by the user can be detected and control is performed to output sound.
By having such a spatial area, for example, when a user installs equipment related to an electronic information system, there is no possibility that the user's gesture movement will be mistakenly recognized as a member that obstructs the gesture or a movement of the user's gesture. It is possible to prevent the presence of objects that would cause damage. The first spatial region is generally recognized as a region that can be detected by gesture detection means. It is preferable that the first spatial region be approached in a three-dimensional space at an equal distance from the gesture detection means.
Further, as the means 15, it is preferable that the detectable distance of the first spatial region is changeable.
With this configuration, the first space can be adjusted in consideration of situations where, for example, there are parts that interfere with gestures or objects that may be mistakenly recognized as the user's gesture movements. It is possible to make settings according to the situation, such as narrowing the area or widening the first spatial area so that the user can easily be detected when making a gesture, even if the user is far away from the device.
Further, as means 16, the control means expands the first spatial area to a relatively wide spatial area in a predetermined information mode, and expands the first spatial area to a relatively wide spatial area in a case other than the predetermined information mode. It is preferable to control the area so that it is reduced to a narrow spatial area.
This configuration contributes to making it easier for the user to make gestures when attempting to respond in accordance with a predetermined information mode. As the predetermined information mode, for example, a mode in which an operation is performed with higher urgency than in cases other than the predetermined information mode may be provided. For example, assume that the predetermined information mode is "a state in which a warning is issued while driving a vehicle." Specifically, for example, there is a case where an alarm is issued from a radar detection device as an electronic device indicating that some kind of road traffic information (for example, N system, etc.) has been detected. In this case, after the user recognizes this notification, the user may decide that the subsequent warning is no longer necessary and would like to cancel the notification state of the alarm. In other words, although the information is necessary, since the user has recognized it, further information provision operations are excessive and unnecessary. In this case, since you are driving, it is best to keep the cancellation gesture as simple and unexaggerated as possible. Therefore, even if the first spatial area is normally set to a relatively narrow spatial area so that an action such as carelessly holding up a hand is not recognized as a gesture, the first spatial area may By making the area a relatively large spatial area, the user can perform gestures without having to reach very far.

Further, it is preferable that the means 17 include a second spatial region in which the direction of movement of the gesture by the user can be detected and in which control to output sound is performed.
By having such a spatial area, it is possible to recognize, for example, which direction the user's hand is coming from when making a gesture, and which direction it is heading, so different predetermined processing can be selected depending on the direction. It becomes possible to do so. Then, the user can recognize the predetermined process in relation to the sound depending on the direction. Furthermore, even if the user does not actually recognize the contents of a given process in relation to different sounds, he or she can understand that various sounds are output in relation to the given processing, and can actually operate the sound. Compared to the case of touching the means, the user can feel an unprecedented sense of operational interest. For example, when moving upward from a far downward position, a certain sound pattern is output and the volume is increased; when moving from a far upward position towards the downward direction, a different sound pattern is output and the volume is decreased. It's amazing.
The direction of movement with respect to the second spatial region may include not only a planar 360-degree direction but also a three-dimensional direction. This increases the variation in movement directions.
Further, as the means 18, it is preferable that the detectable distance of the second spatial region is changeable.
By adopting such a configuration, the user can take into consideration the situation where there is a member that obstructs the gesture or an object that may be mistakenly recognized as the movement of the user's gesture. The user can make settings according to the situation, such as narrowing the second spatial area or widening the second spatial area so that gestures can be detected as easily as possible even if the user is far away from the device. The user can set the optimal gesture environment to execute a predetermined process.
Furthermore, as the means 19, the second spatial area may be located inside the first spatial area.
As a result, when a gesture is performed, the gesture is first recognized in the first spatial area, and further, when the gesture enters the second spatial area, it is determined from which direction the gesture is approached. In this way, since the spatial regions are not separate but overlap, the spatial region in which the user makes gestures does not expand unnecessarily, contributing to making the region in which gestures are made more compact. Additionally, if the second spatial area is outside the first spatial area, when entering the first spatial area, one must always enter a second spatial area that has a directionality of approach. , there is a possibility that the user may end up in a predetermined processing mode that was not planned.

Further, as the means 20, it is preferable to change the volume set as the predetermined process.
This is an example of a specific predetermined process. In other words, it controls the output of sound while recognizing a gesture, and changes the volume when the gesture is recognized. This eliminates the hassle of users having to search for a volume to adjust the volume and manipulate it to change the volume.
To give a more specific example of control, a gesture that moves from a certain direction to a certain direction (for example, holding a hand from below to above over a gesture detection means.The user can detect an object whose movement can be recognized even if it is not a hand). The volume can be increased by a certain amount by a gesture of moving from one direction to another (for example, by waving a hand from upward to downward). be.
Further, the volume may be changed so as not to be constant by using a special gesture. For example, by changing the speed at which the hand is moved from one direction to another, the volume can be increased, or by stopping mid-movement and continuously changing the volume. be.

Further, it is preferable that the means 21 suppresses broadcasting of information currently being broadcast as the predetermined process.
This also shows an example of a specific predetermined process. In other words, it performs control to output a sound while the gesture is being recognized, and also suppresses the notification of the alarm information that is currently being notified when the gesture is recognized. This allows the user to cancel the notification of unnecessary information with a simple action. Here, "notification of alarm information" includes, for example, an alarm sound, an alarm audio guidance, and a display to that effect on a display screen. "Suppressing the notification" means reducing the volume or making the notification silent if it is an audio notification, or reducing the brightness or turning off the display screen if it is a visual notification.
For example, a warning while driving a car will be explained as an example. For example, when a radar detection device as an electronic device issues a warning indicating that some kind of road traffic information (for example, N system, etc.) has been detected, the user may decide that the subsequent warning is no longer necessary after recognizing this notification. You may want to cancel the alarm notification status. In other words, although the information is necessary, since the user has recognized it, any further information is excessive and unnecessary. In this case, it is meaningful to suppress the alarm sound.
To give an example of more specific control, the user holds up his/her hand at a detectable position (for example, the above-mentioned first spatial region) (it does not have to be the hand as mentioned above) and stops at that position for a predetermined period of time. Make a gesture to encourage them. Recognizing this gesture will cause the current warning sound to stop. At this time, for example, if the detectable area set by the user is narrow, the area may be temporarily expanded to make detection easier. This is because it is better to have a wide area so that operations can be performed quickly depending on the situation.

Further, the means 22 may preferably display information on a display screen as the predetermined process.
This also shows an example of a specific predetermined process. In other words, it controls the output of a sound while recognizing a gesture, and displays information on the display screen when the gesture is recognized. This saves the user the trouble of searching for an operating means to display information on the display screen and operating it to change the volume.
Further, as the means 23, it is preferable to change the information displayed on the display screen as the predetermined process.
This also shows an example of a specific predetermined process. In other words, it controls the output of a sound while recognizing a gesture, and changes the information displayed on the display screen when the gesture is recognized. This saves the user the trouble of searching for an operating means to change information on the display screen and operating it to change the volume.

Further, as means 24, the control means causes the display screen to display a first display mode serving as a starting point, changes to another display mode based on the recognition result of a predetermined gesture, and then performs recognition of the predetermined gesture. It is preferable to perform control to display the first display mode again based on the result.
This shows control to return to the first display mode, which is the initial screen, as a result of performing gestures one after another. With this configuration, the user can easily understand the order of appearance of the display modes that can be changed by gestures based on the order of appearance of the first display mode. This is advantageous when the first display mode has many setting screens.
Further, as the means 25, it is preferable that an electronic device mounted on the vehicle also serves as a rearview mirror, and the gesture by the user is performed in front of the rearview mirror.
This is because mounting vehicle-mounted electronic equipment on the rearview mirror contributes to space saving within the vehicle, and allows operations to perform predetermined processing without touching the rearview mirror. In addition, since the rearview mirror is located near the user, who is the driver, it can be used as a rearview mirror, and it is also easier to make gestures in front of it, eliminating the need to place electronic devices near the user in a small car interior. . The rearview mirror that is installed by default in a car may be converted into an electronic device, or it may be an external rearview mirror.

Further, as the means 26, it is preferable that the casing including the gesture detection means includes a collision reducing means for reducing the collision of the recognition target with the casing during the gesture.
In this way, it is possible to reduce the collision of the recognition target object with the housing during the gesture. Collision mitigation means include, for example, a collision prevention means that is a means for preventing a collision, or a shock absorption means that is a means for absorbing the impact when a recognition target collides with the casing in the event of a collision. It is preferable to adopt a configuration including at least one of the following.
For example, it is preferable that at least a part of the ridge corner or the protruding corner of the casing provided with the gesture detection means for recognizing gestures is formed into a chamfered shape.
In this way, by forming the ridges and protruding corners that protrude outward into chamfered shapes, even if an object used for gesturing, such as a user's hand, accidentally hits the housing, the hand side will not be hurt and the housing will also be damaged. It becomes difficult. When forming a chamfered surface, it is preferable to form a curved surface with as few discontinuous parts as possible. In addition to this (or alone), the periphery of the casing may be surrounded with a material having a cushioning effect (for example, elastic synthetic rubber). In particular, if the configuration includes, for example, the configuration of the means 1 and the like and the configuration of the means 28, it is possible to know through the sound that gesture recognition is in progress, and also to prevent the object to be recognized from colliding with the housing during gesture recognition. can be reduced. For example, if a sound is heard during gesture recognition, it may be easier to gesture without looking at the housing that includes the gesture detection unit, and at that time, there is a possibility that the recognition target object will hit the housing. However, in this way, such fear can be reduced.
Further, as the means 27, it is preferable to provide a portion where the protective member is removed from at least a portion of the casing in the gesture detection direction of the housing provided with the gesture detection means for recognizing gestures.
For example, a transparent plastic thin film made of polyethylene or the like is preferable as a protective member, but users often do not remove it when using such a protective member to prevent damage to the equipment. . However, over time, the adhesion of the protective member to the device side may deteriorate and parts of the protective member may peel off. At that time, there is a possibility that the peeled-off protective member shakes within the detection range of the gesture detection means and moves as if it were mistaken for a gesture. This may cause malfunction. Therefore, at the time of shipment, for example, by removing parts of the protective member that are likely to peel off, or removing parts that may come within the detection range of the gesture detection means if peeled off, the peeled protective member can be removed from the user's gestures. This eliminates the need for the user to remove the peeled parts. Further, the protective member may be a protective member during transportation of the casing having the gesture detection means. In particular, it is preferable that the electronic information system is provided with a member that is watched by the user during use, and the protective member is a protection member for the member that is watched when the user uses the electronic information system. For example, the member to be watched during use may be a mirror or a display section. This is because members that are watched closely during use are particularly required to be protected during transportation.
Further, the protective member is preferably provided across the gesture detection direction of the gesture detection means and the display section, and a portion where the protective member is removed is preferably provided in at least a portion of the gesture detection direction. Further, in a configuration in which the gesture detection direction of the gesture detection means is located near the edge of the protection member rather than the center, it is preferable to provide a portion where the protection member is removed for at least a portion of the gesture detection direction. This is because the protective member is particularly likely to peel off on the side near the end of the protective member, and there is a high possibility that the peeled off protective member will interfere with the user's gestures.

Further, as the means 28, it is preferable that at least a part of the housing including the gesture detecting means for recognizing gestures includes a shielding means for making the gesture detecting means difficult to see from the outside.
In terms of design, it is preferable that the gesture detection means housed within the housing is not easily visible from the outside. However, since the gesture detection means may have a window-like opening in the housing for performing a detection operation, there is a possibility that the gesture detection means inside the housing may be visually observed from the outside. Therefore, by providing the housing with a shielding means to make it difficult to visually recognize the gesture detection means, the user will not be able to visually see the gesture detection means and will have a good impression of the housing design. It is necessary that the shielding means does not interfere with the detection by the gesture detection means. For example, when the gesture detection means detects by optical means such as infrared rays, infrared rays are transmitted so as to be detectable, and visible light is transmitted, for example. It is preferable to arrange a transmitting body that has a characteristic of reflecting or absorbing light but not transmitting it. In particular, for example, if the configuration includes the configuration of the means 1 and the like and the configuration of the means 28, a sound will be produced during gesture recognition, so there is a possibility that the gesture recognition means will be easier for the user to discover than before, and that each time the sound is There is a possibility that the user may end up looking at the casing, increasing the possibility that the gesture recognition means will be obtrusive, but this can reduce this possibility.
Furthermore, as the means 29, it is preferable to provide within the housing a gesture detection means for recognizing gestures and a distance shortening means for reducing the distance to an object existing in the gesture detection direction of the gesture detection means to a predetermined value or less.
For example, a wall surface or a glass surface of the housing exists as an object in the gesture detection direction of the gesture detection means inside the housing. Although the gesture detection means outputs a detection medium such as infrared rays or ultrasonic waves, the distance to the object may be long, which may hinder detection. Therefore, such problems can be prevented by providing a distance shortening means.

Further, as the means 30, when there is an obstruction that obstructs gesture detection within the detection area of the gesture detection means that recognizes a gesture, the gesture detection means does not detect the obstruction or transmits the detection data. It is better to detect gestures by the user without using it.
This prevents the movement of the shield from being mistaken for the user's active gestures, and allows the user to operate using gestures without feeling any operational stress even when placing the shield.
For example, if an electronic information system is installed in the rearview mirror near the windshield of the vehicle as a vehicle system, when the user operates the sun visor as a shield near the windshield, the sun visor is detected as a gesture. Even if the user operates to enter the detection area of the means, the user can make a gesture.
Further, as the means 31, the gesture detection means for recognizing gestures does not detect the shielding object based on the fact that the shielding object remains stationary within the detection area for a predetermined period of time, or does not detect the shielding object based on the fact that the shielding object remains in the detection area for a predetermined period of time, or does not detect the shielding object without using the detection data. Good for detecting gestures.
This is a method for detecting gestures when a specific obstructing object exists, and the condition is that the gesture is determined to not be a gesture for performing a specified process if it remains within the detection area for a specified period of time. It is. Since the user only needs to place the shield so that it stops for a predetermined period of time, the user can operate the system using gestures without feeling any operational stress. Particularly in vehicles, in principle, objects inside the vehicle are secured in order to ensure safety while driving. Therefore, if there is an object that may enter the gesture recognition area, there is a high possibility that the object will be fixed after changing its position. For example, in the case of a rear-view mirror-type device equipped with gesture detection means, the position of the vehicle's sun visor adjacent to the rear-view mirror can be adjusted, but is fixed after adjustment. As described above, even if objects are moved inside a car, they usually remain stationary at a certain position. Based on such knowledge, it is desirable to have this configuration, especially in equipment installed in a vehicle.
Further, as the means 32, it is preferable that the control means performs control so that the gesture is not recognized when the shielding object is detected closer to the gesture detection means than a predetermined distance.
In this way, the gesture area cannot be secured due to the presence of a blocking object, and the gesture itself may become impossible. Therefore, malfunctions can be prevented by not allowing the gesture to be recognized. Additionally, by placing a shield in an area where the user cannot input gestures, the user can actively stop gesture input.
Further, as the means 33, the electronic information system is preferably an electronic device mounted on a vehicle. This is because electronic devices mounted on vehicles are often operated while driving, so it is advantageous to use gestures to perform predetermined processing in relation to sound.
From the viewpoint of simple operation, it is preferable that no means other than gesture detection means be provided as means for inputting operations from the user to the device.
Further, it is preferable to reduce the area of the front surface of the device (particularly the surface of the device that has display means or a means for viewing by the user, such as a mirror) so that other operation input means are not provided. This allows functions other than operational input to be performed.
Further, as the means 34, it is preferable to display on the casing so that the user can recognize the directions of a plurality of different gestures that can be detected by the gesture detection means.
This allows the user to easily understand the direction of the gesture. The display may be performed, for example, by printing, or may be three-dimensionally shaped during plastic molding.
Further, the means 35 is preferably a program for causing a computer to realize the function of a control means in an electronic information system.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain information as a result of predetermined processing without directly contacting the device. Furthermore, since gestures are accompanied by sounds, it is also possible to understand the content of a predetermined process through the sounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a radar detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed diagonally from the front. A perspective view of the same radar detection device with the front plate removed. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. Block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the radar detection device according to the embodiment FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a sound output reference area and a movement direction determination area that serve as calculation standards when a gesture sensor recognizes a gesture and outputs a sound. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the position of an object and sound when moving within the sound output reference area and the movement direction determination area. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between sound and the position of an object that stops within a sound output reference area and a movement direction determination area. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that causes the front surface of the gesture sensor to pass from below to above. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that passes the front surface of the gesture sensor from below to above and stops. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that causes the front surface of the gesture sensor to pass from above to below. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that passes the front surface of the gesture sensor from above to below and stops. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that causes the front surface of the gesture sensor to pass from left to right. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture of passing the front surface of the gesture sensor from left to right and stopping the gesture sensor. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that causes the front surface of the gesture sensor to pass from right to left. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that passes the front surface of the gesture sensor from right to left and stops. An explanatory diagram illustrating a gesture that is stopped in front of a gesture sensor. (a) is an explanatory diagram schematically explaining the process when there is some type of obstruction within the sound output reference area, and (b) is the process when there is some type of obstruction within the sound output reference area after offset calculation has started. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of temporarily changing the setting of the sensor reaction range to the default state when an alarm is being issued. A partially enlarged sectional view of the vicinity of a gesture sensor of a stationary radar detection device 50 according to another embodiment FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a protective sheet that protects the mirror surface of the radar detection device according to the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a radar detection device 10, which is an electronic device embodying the electronic information system of the present invention, will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a radar detection device 10 that also serves as a rearview mirror for a vehicle according to the present embodiment. In this radar detection device 10, a thin rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 13 is constructed from a main body case 11 and a front plate 12 attached to the front surface of the main body case 11. The four ridge corners 13a of the housing 13 are chamfered into a curved shape (so-called rounded), and the front side corner periphery 13b, which is the protruding corner of the front plate 12, is also chamfered all around. It is configured. A pair of left and right fixing clamp parts 14 are formed on the back surface of the main body case 11 at a predetermined interval. A power switch (not shown) is provided below the main case 11, and a slot 16 for inserting a microSD card is formed on the side of the main case 11. As shown in FIG. 2, a control board 17 is disposed within the main body case 11. The control board 17 has a horizontally long outer shape that substantially corresponds to the front shape of the main body case 11. In this embodiment, the control board 17 is composed of one board, but it may be composed of two or more boards.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a speaker device 20 serving as a notification means is disposed within the recessed space 19 of the main body case 11. The speaker device 20 is connected to the control board 17 and outputs a predetermined sound (voice) under the control of a control section 35, which will be described later. The speaker device 20 is fitted into a storage space 21 formed in the main case 11, and is attached so that the oscillation surface 20a of the vibrator (the surface from which sound is output) faces toward the back of the main case 11. There is. A horn 23 extending downward is connected to the storage space 21, and a sound outlet 25 formed at the lower end of the horn 23 is exposed at a position adjacent to the power switch, that is, at a lower central position of the main body case 11. . The horn 23 creates a sound transmission space in which the passage is completely surrounded. Therefore, the sound (audio) output toward the main body case 11 is reflected on the wall surface of the main body case 11, amplified within the horn 23, and reaches the outside through the sound outlet 25. Since the radar detection device 10 is attached to the rearview mirror installed in the vehicle by default, the sound outlet 25 is located below the housing 13, so it is close to the ears of the user (driver), and the sound is amplified, so the user This makes it very easy to hear.
As shown in FIG. 2, a sensor board 28 on which a gesture sensor 27 as a gesture detection means is mounted is separately connected to the control board 17 via a BtoB connector (not shown). The gesture sensor 27 as a gesture detection means is configured by controlling the control board 17 so that the distance between the front surface of the sensor and the back surface of the mirror section 30 on the front plate 12 side is within a very close predetermined range (0.7 mm or less in this embodiment). The total thickness of the BtoB connector, sensor board 28, and gesture sensor 27 is taken into consideration.

A mirror section 30 is arranged on the front surface of the front plate 12. The mirror section 30 is constructed by forming a reflective film on the surface of a transparent glass substrate by vapor deposition (chromium vapor deposition in this embodiment), and forming a black light-shielding print on the back surface. The radar detection device 10 is attached to a rearview mirror installed in a vehicle using a fixing clamp part 14, and at that time, the background is transferred to the mirror part 30 so that the driver can check the rear view. A first window part 31 and a second window part 32 are formed in a part of the front plate 12 and the mirror part 30, respectively, adjacent to each other near the right end when viewed from the front. The first window section 31 has a rectangular shape according to the external shape of the display panel 18, and the second window section 32 is configured to be smaller than the first window section 31 according to the size of the gesture sensor 27, and has rounded corners. It is said to be rectangular in shape. The first and second window portions 31 and 32 are regions in which only the reflective film is formed on the surface of the substrate without the above-mentioned light-shielding printing being formed. Therefore, light can be transmitted into and out of the housing 13 at the first and second window portions 31 and 32 positions. The display panel 18 is arranged facing the first window 31, and the gesture sensor 27 is arranged facing the second window 32. The second window portion 32 serves as a path for projecting and receiving light when infrared rays emitted from the gesture sensor 27 are reflected on the object and returned. Note that the shapes and positions of these windows 31 and 32 can be changed as appropriate.
In the mirror section 30, a mark 33 is formed around the second window section 32 to indicate the direction of the gesture and to inform the user of the position at which the gesture is to be performed. The marks 33 are arranged on all four sides of the top, bottom, right and left so as to surround the second window part 32, and have a mountain-shaped polygonal line shape that is convex to the outside. The arrangement is said to be orderly, resembling a diamond shape. The mark 33 is made by printing a part of the light-shielding print on the back surface of the mirror part 30 with a hollow part, so that it can be visually seen as a transparent part that is not printed (however, the reflective film on the front surface is covered). In the vicinity of the second window 32 of the mirror section 30, the front plate 12 is placed at a certain distance from the mirror section 30, so when the mark 33 is viewed from the front of the mirror section 30, the mark 33 can be seen from behind through the gap between the marks 33. The front plate 12 is viewed from a distance, and the mark 33 is recognized by the user with a three-dimensional effect, making it more noticeable than if it were simply printed.

Next, the electrical configuration inside the main body 11 of the radar detection device 10 will be explained based on the block diagram of FIG. 4. Although configurations not directly related to the present invention will be omitted, it is preferable to adopt a configuration similar to the conventional one, for example.
The control unit 35 as a control means is composed of a CPU, memories such as ROM and RAM connected to the CPU, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, and the like. The display panel 18, the speaker device 20, the gesture sensor 27, the GPS receiver 37, the microwave receiver 38, the wireless receiver 39, the microSD card reader 40, etc. are connected to the control unit 35, respectively.
The ROM of the control unit 35 contains a GPS information processing program for processing GPS information received by the GPS receiver 37, a microwave determination program for determining microwaves (radar waves) received by the microwave detector 38, and a wireless A radio wave determination program that determines the radio waves received by the receiver 39, a gesture determination program that determines the gesture received by the gesture sensor 27, and a sound corresponding to the detection result (recognition result) of the gesture is output from the speaker device 20. and a gesture-based processing mode transition program for transitioning to a predetermined processing mode according to the determination result of the gesture, a standby screen display program for displaying a predetermined standby screen on the display unit 17, an OS (Operation System), etc. Various programs are stored.

The control unit 35 executes basic functions of the radar detection device 10, such as a GPS warning function, a radar wave warning function, and a radio warning function. Further, the control unit 35 outputs a sound when the gesture sensor 27 detects (recognizes) a gesture within the detection range of an object, such as a hand held up by the user or some object held in the hand, which the gesture sensor 27 recognizes as an object. It performs control and executes the following processing. As a gesture, in this embodiment, a hand or an object is moved linearly from right to left, from left to right, from bottom to top, or from top to bottom so as to cross the front surface of gesture sensor 27. Gestures such as gestures are recognized. Further, a gesture of stopping for a predetermined time within a predetermined detection range of the gesture sensor 27 (that is, in a predetermined detection state) is recognized.
Processes controlled by the control unit 35 as a result of gesture recognition by the gesture sensor 27 in this embodiment include 1) changing the volume, 2) changing the standby screen, 3) changing the settings screen, and 4) setting from the standby screen. 5) Transition from the setting screen to the standby screen are respectively executed.

The gesture sensor 27 in this embodiment is a known gesture sensor that detects two gestures: an approaching state and a moving state of an object (it also serves as a proximity sensor to detect the approaching state). Specifically, the gesture sensor 27 is equipped with an infrared LED and four photosensors, and each photosensor detects the light emitted from the infrared LED that hits an object and is reflected. Numerical values are acquired for each photosensor, and the distance to the object and the moving direction of the object are calculated based on a predetermined calculation formula using these numerical values as parameters. The distance to the object can be calculated as the sum of the values of the four photosensors, and the moving direction of the object can be calculated by obtaining the difference between the values of the photosensors acquired at different timings. Although it is possible to determine the distance to the object and the direction of movement of the object within the range of the detection capability of the gesture sensor 27, here we set a predetermined spatial area around the gesture sensor 27 as follows ( (Actually, this is determined based on the sensor values) Sound output control and predetermined processing are performed using this area as a reference.

As shown in FIG. 5, the coordinates of z_th (_th represents a threshold value) which is equidistant from the gesture sensor 27 with reference to the virtual plane p where the gesture sensor 27 exists are set. Equidistance means a distance at which it can be determined that the light amount data (detected values) detected by the gesture sensor 27 are the same. This z_th serves as a reference when outputting sound in this embodiment. Hereinafter, the hemispherical spatial region surrounded by z_th will be referred to as the sound output reference region Z.
Also, within the sound output reference area Z, an area surrounded by a truncated quadrangular pyramid which is vertically inverted is determined. The area surrounded by the truncated pyramid is defined as the four corners of the upper base that exist on z_th, which is equidistant from the plane p, and the four corners of the lower base that are the intersection with the plane p near the gesture sensor 27. This is an area surrounded by four line segments E1 to E4 connected to each other. Let the coordinates on each line segment be (+x_th, +y_th) (+x_th, -y_th) (-x_th, +y_th) (-x_th, -y_th), respectively. The moving direction of the object is detected based on the x-direction and y-direction coordinates calculated in the space inside the truncated pyramid. This is an area set to facilitate determination of whether the object passes the origin and calculation of the moving direction of the object when passing the origin, with the position of the gesture sensor 27 as the origin. Hereinafter, the area surrounded by this truncated quadrangular pyramid will be referred to as a moving direction determination area Q. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the housing 13 is defined as the x-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to this is defined as the y-axis direction.
Furthermore, since this is an arbitrarily set area, the distance z_th can be changed as appropriate within the detection capability of the gesture sensor 27. In this embodiment, the distance z_th can be set to 100 mm, 60 mm, or 40 mm. As the distance z_th changes, the size of the moving direction determination area Q existing inside it also changes. Further, the shape of the movement direction determination area Q (that is, the area for determining the movement direction and associating it with a predetermined process) is not limited to the above and can be changed. For example, the moving direction determination area Q may be made to coincide with the sound output reference area Z.

In the electrical configuration as described above, an example of a specific process executed by the control unit 35 based on the result of detecting a target object by the gesture sensor 27 will be described below.
First, the sound output control performed by the control unit 35 based on the detected value of the gesture sensor 27 will be described in relation to objects in some specific gestures. Here, gestures that can determine a "predetermined process" to be described later will be mainly explained as an example, but since the movement of an object is not simple, gestures other than the following are also possible.
In addition, the user may recognize the gesture before the object enters the sound output reference area Z, and may recognize that the gesture is being made even after the object leaves the sound output reference area Z. When it comes to recognizing a gesture for outputting a sound, entering the sound output reference area Z is considered to be the objective start of the gesture. Similarly, it is considered that the gesture ends when the object leaves the sound output reference area Z. Also, if the gesture recognition fails (if it is not determined to be a predetermined gesture), no sound is produced, so the fact that a sound is produced does not mean that the movement of the object has been recognized as a gesture. be.

(1) First movement of the object during gesture (Part 1)
This is a stage in which the object approaches the gesture sensor 27 from a distance and enters the sound output reference area Z. Basically, this process always occurs when controlling sound output. The control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27, and if it is determined that the value indicates that an object (a "hand" in FIG. 6) exists within the sound output reference area Z (a certain value is set as a threshold, 6), that is, if it is determined that the gesture is located at the position indicated by A in FIG. The control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 at a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, every 12 ms), and if it is determined that the value is within the sound output reference region Z, outputs the sound of "Re" without interruption. continue.
On the other hand, when the object leaves the sound output reference area Z without entering the movement direction determination area Q direction from within the sound output reference area Z, the control unit 35 outputs the sound based on the detection value of the gesture. to stop. In other words, an assumed case is, for example, when an object accidentally approaches the gesture sensor 27 and once enters the sound output reference area Z, but then reverses and leaves the sound output reference area Z. It is. In that case, "predetermined processing", which will be described later, is not selected.

(2) First movement of the object during gesture (Part 2)
This is a state where the gesture has further advanced and passed in front of the gesture sensor 27. When the control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 and determines that the object has passed through the sound output reference area Z and is within the movement direction determination area Q (if it exceeds or falls below a certain threshold) In other words, if it is determined that the gesture exists at the position indicated by B in Figure 6, a second scale different from (1) (the second scale is preferably higher than the first scale, and here Then, the sound “F#”) is output from the speaker device 20. At this judgment timing, the control unit 35 stops the "re" sound. In this way, the scale is changed and output in a state where the user can recognize that the sound has changed continuously.
The control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 at a predetermined timing (every 12 ms in this embodiment), and when it is determined that the position is within the movement direction determination area Q, the control unit 35 continuously sounds the sound of “F#”. Continue output.
Here, the control unit 35 determines whether the object within the moving direction determining area Q "a. leaves the moving direction determining area Q by crossing the front surface of the gesture sensor 27" or "b. leaving the moving direction determining area Q without crossing the front surface of the gesture sensor 27". Execute different voice controls when leaving the app. a. In this case, proceed to (3) below. On the other hand, b. In this case, a hypothetical case, for example, an object approaches the gesture sensor 27 by mistake, enters the movement direction determination area Q within a very short period of time, reverses itself, passes through the sound output reference area Z, and leaves the area. In this case, the above judgment (1) occurs, and the control unit 35 changes the sound from "F#" to "R". Furthermore, in that case, "predetermined processing", which will be described later, is not selected.

(3) First movement of the object during gesture (part 3)
It is in a state where it is gradually moving away from the gesture sensor 27. The control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 and performs the above a. If it is determined that the following conditions are met and the object exists within the sound output reference area Z (a certain value is set as a threshold and exceeds or falls below it), that is, the position shown by C in FIG. If it is determined that the gesture exists in The sound is output from the speaker device 20. At this judgment timing, the control unit 35 stops the sound of "F#".In this way, the scale is changed and outputted so that the user can recognize that the sound has changed continuously. The control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 at a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, every 12 ms), and when it is determined that the value is within the sound output reference region Z, the “A” sound is output without interruption. Continue outputting.

(4) First movement of object during gesture (Part 4)
This is a state in which the sound output reference area Z is outside the sound output reference area Z after passing in front of the gesture sensor 27. The control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 and performs the above a. If it is determined that the following conditions are met and the object has departed from the sound output reference area Z (a certain value is set as a threshold and exceeds or falls below it), that is, the position shown by D in FIG. If it is determined that the gesture exists, the speaker device 20 outputs a sound of the fourth scale different from (1), (2), and (3). Here, the "fourth scale note" that is output varies depending on the moving direction of the object. This sound is the sound of completion of recognition, and the frequency between this sound of completion of recognition and the previous sound being recognized is set larger than the frequency between the sounds that change during recognition. It is also desirable that the length of the sound be shorter than the length of the sound emitted during recognition. This is determined by the moving direction in the moving direction determination area Q in (2) above. In this embodiment, there are four moving directions for the object: "downward to upward,""topward to downward,""left to right," and "right to left." A "predetermined process" to be described later is associated. That is, the first gesture is recognized as a different gesture depending on the direction. When the control unit 35 determines that the movement within the movement direction determination area Q is "from below to above", the control unit 35 selects the highest pitch sound among the sounds output during recognition (that is, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned sound is output). "G" is output as a recognition confirmed sound (for example, startup process confirmed sound) which is a short sound such as "pi" which is in a higher pitch range than "A" on the scale of 3. Similarly, if it is determined that the movement is from "upward to downward", "do" is output. Similarly, if it is determined that the movement is from "left to right", "R" is output. This "Re" is one octave higher than the "Re" of the first scale mentioned above. Similarly, when it is determined that the movement is "from right to left", "mi" is output. These sounds correspond to "processing that varies depending on the moving direction of the object" executed by the control unit 35, which will be described later. When the controller 35 moves away from D in FIG. 6 (moves to the right in the figure), the control unit 35 controls the sound level based on the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 (that is, when a certain value is set as a threshold and exceeds or falls below it). Stop output.
(5) The first movement of the object during the gesture (variation of Part 4)
After passing in front of the gesture sensor 27, it exits the sound output reference area Z and stops in the vicinity thereof. The control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 at a predetermined timing (every 12 ms in this embodiment), and determines the value indicating that the object has left the sound output reference area Z and remains near the sound output reference area Z. If it is determined that the gesture has been present for a long time and a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) or more has elapsed, that is, if it is determined that the gesture has been present for a long time at the position indicated by D in FIG. In other words, one of the four sounds corresponding to the movement direction, that is, "G", "C", "R", and "Mi", which are the same as the recognized sound, is output. This intermittent sound corresponds to the so-called "long press mode" in "predetermined processing" executed by the control unit 35, which will be described later. Then, when the controller moves away from D in FIG. 6, similarly to (4), the control unit 35 stops outputting the sound based on the detected value of the gesture sensor 27 (in other words, if a certain numerical value is set as a threshold and exceeds or falls below it). let

Regarding the above four moving directions, the moving direction of the object does not necessarily move exactly horizontally or vertically. For example, when an object moves diagonally, there are cases where the object can be moved horizontally or vertically. The control unit 35 compares the horizontal component and the vertical component based on the obtained numerical value, selects whichever is larger, and selects whether the movement is horizontal or vertical.
Note that the direction of movement is determined at the stage when the object leaves this sound output reference area Z (goes out of z_th). In other words, a. in (2) above. At the stage , the predetermined process has only been selected and has not been finalized yet, and will be finalized based on a certain detection value detected by the gesture sensor 27 at a later timing. (3) Depending on the movement of the object at the position where the "A" sound is output, the predetermined process may be canceled or changed.

(6) Second movement of target object during gesture As shown in FIG. If it is determined that the value exists in Sound is output from the speaker device 20 intermittently. The stopped state is determined based on whether the detected value of the gesture sensor 27 does not change at all or changes only within a certain narrow numerical range.
Further, the control unit 35 reads the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 at a predetermined timing (every 12 ms in this embodiment), and stops outputting the sound when the object in the stopped state moves. After the stopped object moves, audio output control is performed according to the conditions (1) to (4) above depending on the position of the object.
Furthermore, if the condition (1) or (2) above is met by the object entering the sound output reference area Z as a premise of the audio output processing based on this stop, then (1) or ( Audio output according to 2) is also performed.

When a specific gesture is performed among the above gestures, a predetermined process is selected along with a sound, and the process is further confirmed. Next, the predetermined processes executed by the control unit 35 will be described in conjunction with actual gestures and sounds output with the gestures. Note that in the initial setting, the distance z_th of the sound output reference area Z is set to 10 cm. Furthermore, if the object crosses within the movement direction determination area Q very quickly, the difference between the detection values of the gesture sensor 27 cannot be obtained, resulting in an error. In other words, the moving direction becomes undefined, and as a result, a predetermined process cannot be determined. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the moving direction of the object is determined by moving at an appropriate speed, and that predetermined processing is determined accordingly.
A. About changing the volume (from bottom to top)
As shown in FIG. 8, radar detection is performed by maintaining a distance of, for example, 7 cm in front of the front plate 12 of the radar detection device 10 and passing the hand as an object from a position below the radar detection device 10 in front of the gesture sensor 27. Make a gesture to slide the device 10 upward once to the out position. At this time, the control unit 35 determines that there is a gesture in which the object slides once from below to above in front of the gesture sensor 27, and increases the volume by one level from the current level. Then, in conjunction with this gesture, the control unit 35 outputs sounds from the speaker device 20 in the order of "R" → "F #" → "A" → "G" (the first sound of the object in the above series of gestures). (equivalent to movement 1).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, after passing the hand in front of the gesture sensor 27 from a position below the radar detection device 10, the hand is stopped near the upper edge of the housing 13. This position corresponds to a position outside the sound output reference area Z, which is close to the sound output reference area Z. In FIG. 8, the object is largely separated from the sound output reference area Z, but in FIG. 9, although it is outside the set sound output reference area Z, the detected value indicates that the object exists within the sound output reference area Z. The difference between the two cases is very small.
When the control unit 35 detects a stopped state at this position for a predetermined stop time (for example, 0.3 seconds) or more, it determines that it is a so-called “long press” mode, and the control unit 35 continuously increases the volume from the current level. control. At this time, in conjunction with this gesture (corresponding to the above-mentioned "Part 4 variation"), the control unit 35 outputs an intermittent sound from the speaker device in the order of "R" → "F#" → "A" → "G". Output the sound from 20. The control unit 35 ends the process when the object is no longer in a stopped state or when the volume is at its maximum (a state in which no further changes can be made), and also stops the intermittent sound.

(from top to bottom)
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 10, the user performs a gesture of sliding the hand once from a position above the radar detection device 10 to a position where it passes in front of the gesture sensor 27 and passes below the radar detection device 10. At this time, the control unit 35 determines that there is a gesture in which the object slides once from above to below in front of the gesture sensor 27, and lowers the volume by one level from the current level. At this time, in conjunction with this gesture, the control unit 35 outputs sounds from the speaker device 20 in the order of "R" → "F#" → "A" → "C" (the target during the above series of gestures). (equivalent to the first movement).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the hand is passed from above the radar detection device 10 to the front surface of the gesture sensor 27 and then stopped near the lower edge of the housing 13. This position corresponds to an outer position of the sound output reference area Z adjacent to the sound output reference area Z. When the control unit 35 detects a stopped state at this position for a predetermined stopping time (for example, 0.3 seconds) or more, it determines that it is in a so-called "long press" mode and controls the volume to be continuously lowered from the current level. At this time, in conjunction with this gesture (corresponding to the above-mentioned "Part 4 variation"), the control unit 35 outputs an intermittent sound from the speaker device in the order of "R" → "F#" → "A" → "C". Output the sound from 20. The control unit 35 ends the process when the object is no longer in a stopped state or the volume is at its maximum (a state in which no further changes can be made), and the intermittent sound is also stopped.

B. About changing the standby screen (from left to right)
As shown in FIG. 12, while maintaining a distance of, for example, 7 cm in front of the front plate 12 of the radar detection device 10, the hand as an object is passed from the left side of the radar detection device 10 in front of the gesture sensor 27, and the radar Make a gesture to slide the detection device 10 once to the right until it passes through. At this time, the control unit 35 determines that there is a gesture in which the object slides once from the left to the right in front of the gesture sensor 27, and moves the current standby screen displayed on the display screen to the right. The screen is displayed by sliding the screen so that the next standby screen located at an adjacent position that was hidden after leaving the room is displayed on the display screen of the display panel 18. At this time, in conjunction with this gesture, the control unit 35 outputs sounds from the speaker device 20 in the order of "R" → "F#" → "A" → "R" one octave higher (during the above series of gestures) (corresponds to the first movement of the object in ).
The standby screen in this embodiment is looped as follows: calendar → clock → speed → eco-drive mode → positioning information → rotation of all standby screens → display off → radar scope → drive mode... 8 times from the current state. The screen returns to the original standby screen mode.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the hand is passed from the left position of the radar detection device 10 in front of the gesture sensor 27 and then stopped near the right edge of the housing 13. This position corresponds to an outer position of the sound output reference area Z adjacent to the sound output reference area Z. When the control unit 35 detects a stopped state at this position for a predetermined stopping time (for example, 0.3 seconds) or more, it determines that it is in a so-called "long press" mode, and changes the looped standby screen to a display screen one after another. let
At this time, in conjunction with this gesture (corresponding to the above-mentioned "Part 4 variation"), the control unit 35 outputs an intermittent sound from the speaker device in the order of "R" → "F#" → "A" → "R". Output the sound from 20. The control unit 35 ends the process when the object is released from the stopped state, and also stops the intermittent sound.

(from right to left)
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 14, the user makes a gesture of sliding the hand once from a position to the right of the radar detection device 10 to a position to the left of the radar detection device 10. At this time, the control unit 35 determines that there is a gesture in which the object slides once from the left to the right in front of the gesture sensor 27, and moves the current standby screen displayed on the display screen to the left. The screen is displayed by sliding the screen so that the next standby screen located at an adjacent position that was hidden after leaving the room is displayed on the display screen of the display panel 18. At this time, in conjunction with this gesture, the control unit 35 outputs sounds from the speaker device 20 in the order of "R" → "F #" → "A" → "Mi" (the target during the above series of gestures) (equivalent to the first movement).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, after passing the hand in front of the gesture sensor 27 from the right position of the radar detection device 10, the hand is stopped near the left side of the display panel 18. This position corresponds to an outer position of the sound output reference area Z adjacent to the sound output reference area Z. This determines that the mode is a so-called "long press" mode, and the control unit 35 changes and displays the looped standby screen one after another on the display screen.
At this time, in conjunction with this gesture (corresponding to the above-mentioned "Part 4 variation"), the control unit 35 outputs an intermittent sound from the speaker device in the order of "R" → "F#" → "A" → "Mi". Output the sound from 20. The control unit 35 ends the process when the object is released from the stopped state, and also stops the intermittent sound.

C. Regarding transition to the setting screen As shown in FIG. 16, a gesture is made to stop the radar detection device 10 at a position in front of the front plate 12 and directly facing the gesture sensor 27 while maintaining a distance of, for example, 9 cm. At this time, the control unit 35 determines that there is a gesture in which the object stops in front of the gesture sensor 27 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds) or more, and the standby screen is displayed on the display screen of the display panel 18 by default. Move from the status to the settings screen.
The setting screen of this embodiment is the ity.migration initial screen. Start from MAP → Mode (and its submenu) → Brightness (and its submenu) → Flex Dimmer (and its submenu) → Radar warning sound (and its submenu) → Sensor confirmation sound (and its submenu) ) → Sensor response range (and its submenu) → Initial settings (and its submenu) → Version display → Demo mode (and its submenu) → Standby screen → ity. MAP, and the display screen of the display panel 18 is changed one after another from left to right or from right to left using the same operation as in "B. Changing the standby screen" above. You can change the settings menu to be displayed. In addition, in the submenu, you can change the setting menus displayed on the display screen of the display panel 18 one after another from the bottom to the top or from the top to the bottom by performing the same operation as in "A. Changing the volume" above. . Here, since the standby screen is included in the loop of the settings screen, if you want to return to the standby screen in the transition mode to the settings screen, you can use gestures within the settings screen without first turning off the power. It is possible to execute it by doing this. After returning to the standby screen, the gesture described above in "B. Changing the standby screen" becomes possible.
When the control unit 35 detects a stopped state at this position for a predetermined stopping time (for example, 2 seconds) or more, it makes an intermittent "click" sound as described in (6) above for the second movement of the object during the gesture. is output from the speaker device 20 (corresponding to the second movement of the object during the above gesture). In the gesture for changing the setting screen, a sound is output according to the description of the first movement of the object in the series of gestures (1) to (4) above.

Next, a description will be given of processing when there is some kind of shielding object within the sound output reference area Z that obstructs gesture determination.
For example, assume that the radar detection device 10 is used in a vehicle. In such cases, the sunlight may be so bright that you may need to use a sun visor. Then, depending on the mounting position of the radar detection device 10, the sun visor may become a shield and enter the sound output reference area Z. The following is a process that allows the user to perform gestures without any problems even when there is such a blocking object, and the normal gesture is recognized after offsetting (subtracting) the detected value based on the amount of light from the blocking object. It is something.

(Judging whether there is a shield in the initial state)
First, the control unit 35 determines the following three states in an initial state where there is no obstruction.
a. If some kind of obstruction (this is judged without distinguishing objects, the same applies hereafter) enters the sound output reference area Z, and there is a stoppage for a predetermined time (120 ms) without determining the predetermined process. If determined b. When it is determined that some kind of shielding object has entered the sound output reference area Z and the above-mentioned gesture of "(6) Second movement of the object during the gesture" has been performed for 5 seconds or more c. When it is determined that some kind of obstruction has entered the sound output reference area Z and the above gesture of "(5) First movement of the object during the gesture (variation of part 4)" has been performed for 8 seconds or more

Here, a. This assumes that there is no transition to the processing mode due to an intruding shield. The reason why the period is 120 ms is to correspond to the interval since the control unit 35 calculates the offset every 120 ms. In this case, the control unit 35 calculates to offset the detected value of the gesture sensor 27 that has changed due to the obstruction, and uses the state of the gesture sensor 27 after the offset as a detection reference.
Also, b. and c. Each of these is a state in which the display screen and volume have changed due to transition to some processing mode, and by setting a long time, it is a stop gesture that is different from a normal gesture. In these cases, an unintended process is executed due to the blocking object, so the control unit 35 forcibly shifts to the default standby screen. Similarly, by forcibly setting the audio volume to the default volume, any processing that may have started due to an unintended input is canceled. And then a. Similarly, the control unit 35 calculates to offset the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 that has changed due to the obstruction, and uses the state of the gesture sensor 27 after the offset as the detection standard.
The above will be schematically explained as shown in FIG. 17(a).

(Determining the presence or absence of an obstruction during offset calculation)
Start the offset calculation as described above and perform normal gesture recognition with the amount of light of the shielding object canceled. The control unit 35 always calculates the offset at a predetermined timing (120 ms) during gesture recognition, and uses the latest state of the gesture sensor 27 as a detection standard.
Here, the shielding object that once remained within the sound output reference area Z may move. For example, it is assumed that the sun visor shakes or changes its position depending on the direction of sunlight, or that it leaves the sound output reference area Z and returns to its original position. The control unit 35 determines the following three states when the shield moves.
d. If the shielding object moves but the predetermined process is not determined, e. If it is determined that the shielding object has moved and the above-mentioned gesture of "(6) Second movement of the object during the gesture" has been performed for 5 seconds or more; f. When it is determined that the shielding object has moved and the above gesture of "(5) First movement of the object during the gesture (variation of Part 4)" has been performed for 8 seconds or more d. For example, it is assumed that the shielding object in the sound output reference area Z slightly shakes due to vibration. In this case, since there is no particular change in the current processing of the radar detection device 10, the control unit 35 calculates to offset the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 at a predetermined timing as described above.
e. and f. Each of these is recognized as a gesture, moves to some kind of processing mode, and changes the display screen and volume. In this case, the control unit 35 performs the above b. and c. Similarly, the screen is forcibly shifted to the standby screen, the audio is also forcibly set to the default volume, and then, as described above, calculations are made to offset the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 at a predetermined timing.
The processing executed by the control unit 35 is as described in b. above. and c. is similar, but its purpose is different. b. and c. This is the response when a shielding object enters the sound output reference area Z from the outside in the initial state, and the offset has not yet been calculated. e. and f. This corresponds to when the shielding object enters the sound output reference area Z and the calculation to offset the shielding object is being performed (after the offset calculation is started).
The above will be schematically explained as shown in FIG. 17(b).

(When the shield is near the gesture sensor)
If the shield is placed very close to the gesture sensor 27, normal gestures will not be possible because there will be little space. In other words, detection by the gesture sensor 27 becomes physically impossible. Therefore, assuming such a situation, processing is performed to prevent gesture recognition when a shielding object is placed very close to the gesture sensor 27. Specifically, during gesture recognition, the control unit 35 detects at a predetermined timing (120 ms) that there is always an obstruction within a predetermined distance (for example, 3 cm) from the gesture sensor 27, and that there is an obstruction within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). Determine whether it has stopped or not. If it is determined that there is a shielding object within a predetermined distance and that it has stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer, the control section 35 cancels the detection value of the gesture sensor 27 in calculation. In other words, although the gesture sensor 27 recognizes the gesture, the gesture sensor 27 appears to be inactive, as if it were not detecting anything (actually, the gesture sensor 27 stops detecting itself). ).
On the other hand, when the control unit 35 determines that the gesture sensor 27 has moved beyond a predetermined distance, calculation using the detected value of the gesture sensor 27 is restarted.

Next, a description will be given of processing when the "sensor reaction range" set by the user on the setting screen is temporarily returned to the default state (here, a range of 10 cm). This process assumes the following cases.
When the sensor reaction range is in the default state, the range is set to be wide, so there is a possibility that the sensor reaction range (output reference area Z) is accidentally entered and some processing is executed. Therefore, it is preferable that the sensor response range can be set by the user to, for example, normal (6 cm) or narrow (4 cm). However, even in such a case, it is good to return to a default state with a wide range in order to quickly perform operations depending on the situation. Here, as an example, when some kind of alarm is issued from the radar detection device 10, the control unit 35 temporarily widens the "sensor reaction range" in order to make it easier to mute the notification. The process will be explained based on the routine shown in FIG. The control unit 35 repeatedly executes this routine at predetermined timing.
First, in step S10, the control unit 35 determines whether or not an alarm has been reported. If it is determined that an alarm has been reported, then in step S11, it determines whether the current sensor reaction range is set to 10 cm. Here, if it is determined that the sensor reaction range is set to 10 cm, the process is temporarily terminated. In other words, there is no need to particularly change the sensor response range.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the current sensor reaction range is not 10 cm (that is, it is 6 cm or 4 cm), the sensor reaction range is controlled to be 10 cm in step S12, and the flag is set to "1" in step S13. ” and end the process once. This will temporarily change the sensor response range to 10cm.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that no warning has been issued, it is determined in step S14 whether the flag is "1". Here, if the flag is "1", it means that the sensor reaction range was once changed to 10cm in the previous routine, so return it to the previous sensor reaction range of 6cm or 4cm and set the flag to "0". On the other hand, if the flag is not "1" in step S14, it means that there has been no change in the sensor reaction range immediately before, and the process is directly terminated.
With this kind of control, when an alarm is being issued, the sensor response range is temporarily changed to a distance of 10 cm, which is easier for the user to operate, making it easier for the user to suppress the volume by gesture operation. On the other hand, once the alarm is complete, the sensor returns to its original response range, saving the user the trouble of setting it up again.

By configuring as described above, the radar detection device 10 of this embodiment provides the following effects.
(1) The radar detection device 10 does not require an input section or a touch panel made up of electrostatic switches to operate by actually touching it as in the past, and it can be operated in four directions + approach stop operation, so it can be used in emergency situations. This results in a significant cost reduction, and since the input section and other structural members are no longer required, the weight can also be reduced, and this is particularly suitable when the radar detection device 10 is installed in a vehicle that experiences a lot of vibration.
(2) Regarding radar detection devices, so-called high-end devices equipped with many various functions require detailed settings, so an input unit such as a remote control or a touch panel is necessary. However, especially for low-end machines that tend to have fewer setting items, even input using gestures is a simple operation, so you won't miss anything, so it is ideal for low-end machines. High-end machines do not need to be equipped with the gesture sensor 27, and even if a gesture function is provided, it will only serve as an auxiliary input, which will increase the cost. In other words, it is possible to provide a device, such as a radar detection device, which does not include any means other than gesture detection means as a means for inputting operations from the user to the device.
(3) The radar detection device 10 doubles as a room mirror, but since it can be input using gestures in this way, there is no need for a switch area on the side of the mirror as in the past, and it becomes a full-face mirror, making it easier to use than before. The mirror area is relatively increased, which improves the function of the room mirror for the user. Additionally, since the user can operate the mirror surface without touching it, it is less likely to be smeared with fingerprints or the like.
(4) Since the user can shift the radar detection device 10 to the desired processing mode simply by performing a predetermined gesture, there is no need to visually search for the input section etc. for actually touching and inputting. It is operationally advantageous. Furthermore, while driving, there is no need to search for an input unit, etc., so the user can concentrate on driving.
(5) Since there is no need for contact, such as with an input section or a touch panel that is operated by touch, the housing 13 is less likely to get dirty and can also be prevented from deteriorating due to contact.
(6) By repeating the gesture several times, the user can memorize a gesture pattern that produces the same sound, and by executing the gesture, the user can easily select the desired process. At that time, it becomes possible to accurately memorize gesture patterns based on the types of sounds and the timing at which multiple sounds are output.
(7) If the series of gestures includes a gesture for executing a predetermined process, a sound corresponding to the predetermined process is output, and the user understands the content of the predetermined process in relation to the sound. can do.
(8) Even if there is an obstruction, such as a sun visor, in the sound output reference area Z that would interfere with the judgment of gestures, input for operation is performed to cancel this influence. It is possible to input without any doubt even if there is no reliable input means.
(9) Even if the user has set the sensor response range to normal (6 cm) or narrow (4 cm), for example, when an alarm is being issued, the sensor response range is temporarily set to 10 cm, which is easier for the user to operate. Since the distance sensor response range has been changed, it will be easier for users to suppress the volume using gesture operations. On the other hand, once the alarm is complete, the sensor response range returns to the original one, which saves the user the trouble of setting it up again.
(10) Since the sound outlet 25 of the speaker device 20 is located below the housing 13, it is close to the ear when the radar detection device 10 is installed in the vehicle, and the sound is amplified within the horn 23, making it convenient for the user. It's very easy to hear.
(11) The four marks 33 indicating the sensor positions simultaneously indicate gesture directions (up, down, left, and right) for executing a predetermined process, making it easy for first-time users to understand.

The present invention may be embodied and implemented in the following manner.
- In the radar detection device 10 of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the sensor board 28 on which the gesture sensor 27 is mounted on the control board 17 is connected in a separate layered manner via a BtoB connector (not shown). was. However, when attempting to arrange the gesture sensor 27 close to the back surface of the mirror section 30 through such a connection, the gesture sensor 27 may be placed further away from the mirror section 30 than planned due to the thickness tolerance of the board, and it may not be within a predetermined range. There may be cases.
Therefore, when arranging the gesture sensor, it is preferable to adopt a configuration as shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the stationary radar detection device 50. The radar detection device 50 has a housing 53 composed of a main body case 51 and a front plate 52. A cover 54 made of transparent glass is disposed in front of the front plate 52. A sensor board 56 on which a gesture sensor 55 is mounted is fixed to a stud 57 formed on the front plate 52 with a screw 58. The sensor board 56 is connected to the main board 59 by a flexible cable 60.
In this way, the sensor board 56 is directly fixed to the stud 57 on the front plate 52 side, and the distance to the mirror part 30 is shortened without using any other member in between, so that the gesture sensor 55 can be accurately attached to the cover 54. This makes it possible to place the device close to the The point is that the sensor board 56 only needs to be fixed to the front plate 52 side, so it may be fixed by a fixing means other than the screws 58, such as a clip. The gesture sensor installation mechanism of such a stationary radar detection device 50 may be applied to the configuration of the radar detection device 10 described above.

・Various sounds are output depending on the position of the object in the gesture, but in this case, the gesture can be thought of as a whole that outputs several sounds, and the gesture that corresponds to one sound can be It can also be considered a gesture. In other words, for example, the first gesture below can be thought of as a gesture that starts with part 1 and ends with part 4, and "first gesture (part 2)" alone can be thought of as a single gesture with a beginning and an end. .
- In addition to the above gestures, for example, a gesture in which the object diagonally crosses the front surface of the gesture sensor 27 or a gesture in which the object draws a circle may be adopted. Alternatively, for example, a gesture may be used in which the object is brought to face the gesture sensor 27 and approached from a distance (or conversely, moved away from the object).
- The second window section 32 of the mirror section 30 allows visible light to pass therethrough, so the gesture sensor 27 was configured to be visible. However, it is preferable to reflect or absorb visible light rays so as not to show the gesture sensor 27, and to arrange a transmitting film having a transmission characteristic that allows only infrared rays to pass through.
- The shapes and positions of the first and second window portions 31 and 32 can be changed as appropriate.
- Other processes executed by the control unit 35 exemplified in the above embodiment include, for example, sound-related processes such as outputting and stopping sound (voice), changing the sound quality (timbre), and changing the number of sounds. , changing the sound pattern (for example, melody), changing the guidance voice, etc. may be configured to be possible using gestures.
- In the above embodiment, the movement direction of the hand gesture is set to four directions, up, down, left and right, but the movement direction may be prepared in patterns other than these four.
・The sounds in the above gesture are just examples, and sounds with other pitches may be used. In addition, the pitch was set so that the sound gradually becomes higher as the object crosses the sensor response range, but the sound output as the object moves becomes higher and higher, as if there is a melody. It may also be set in a pattern that increases or decreases.
- In the above embodiment, when the sensor response range is set by the user to normal (6 cm) or narrow (4 cm), for example, when an alarm is being issued, the sensor response range is temporarily set at a distance of 10 cm, which is easy for the user to operate. However, such processing may be executed in cases other than alarm notification. For example, this is the case for time notification, accident information notification, etc. Further, in the above example, the sensor reaction range can be set to three distances, but it may be set to two or four or more distances. Furthermore, after temporarily changing the sensor response range to a distance of 10 cm that is easier for the user to operate, the sensor response range was changed back to normal (6 cm) or narrow (4 cm), but this does not need to be done.
- The configuration of the radar detection device 10 described above is an example, and it may be implemented in other shapes. For example, in the above example, the gesture sensor 27 is placed on the right side when facing the front, but this is mainly intended for users who make gestures with their left hand in right-hand drive vehicles; The gesture sensor 27 may be arranged to the left (that is, it may be arranged at a position where it is easy to perform gestures depending on the vehicle). Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment in which the gesture sensor 27 is placed on the right side when facing the front, the configuration is such that the gesture sensor 27 is rotated 180 degrees in a plane different from the mirror and attached to the rearview mirror of the vehicle, and in this case, the user's settings or It is preferable that the attachment direction is determined by a G sensor or the like, and it is determined whether or not to rotate the gesture recognition direction by 180 degrees to match the determined attachment direction.
- In addition to radar detection devices, the present invention may be applied to vehicles such as navigation devices (without radar detection function) and drive recorder devices.
- It may be applied to various devices other than vehicles.
- In the detection of the gesture sensor 27, in the above example, infrared light from an infrared light emitting element is applied to the object and changes in the reflected light are detected by a light receiving element, but instead of infrared light, for example, ultrasonic waves or capacitance can be used. It is also possible to use a gesture sensor based on another principle, such as one that utilizes changes in .
- A protective sheet may be attached to the front surface of the mirror section 30 to protect the mirror surface. In this case, the user may use it without peeling it off. However, due to long-term use, a portion of the protective sheet may peel off, and the peeled protective sheet may shake within the detection range of the gesture sensor 27, causing a movement that may be mistaken for a gesture. This may cause malfunction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the protective sheet 62 can be pasted only in a range away from the second window 32, or the corners that are likely to peel off can be chamfered, which can prevent malfunctions and prevent the protective sheet 62 from sticking. It no longer interferes with the user's gestures, and the user no longer has to worry about removing the peeled parts. In particular, a protective sheet may be provided over the entire surface of the mirror, and the protective sheet may be hollowed out along the second window portion 32. In this way, the entire surface of the mirror can be protected, and even if the user starts using the mirror without removing the protective sheet, the possibility that the movement of the protective sheet will be recognized as a gesture can be reduced.
- It may be applied to devices other than in-vehicle devices.
The present invention may be freely implemented in modified forms without departing from its spirit.

10... Radar detection device as an electronic information system, 35... Control section as control means.

Claims (3)

A device having a housing including a main body case and a front plate,
A transparent cover is arranged in front of the front plate,
A sensor board equipped with a gesture sensor for detecting gestures by emitting infrared rays through the transparent cover and receiving the light reflected back from the target object is connected to the control board via the BtoB connector. Rather than connecting them in a layered manner as separate pieces,
The sensor board is fixed to the front plate side and is equipped with a gesture sensor for detecting gestures by emitting infrared rays through the transparent cover and receiving the light reflected back from the object. , wherein the sensor board is connected to the control board by a cable. Fixing to the front plate side a sensor board equipped with a gesture sensor for detecting a gesture by irradiating infrared rays through the transparent cover and receiving the light reflected back from a target object is as follows: 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is fixed to a stud formed in the front plate with a screw. A speaker device is connected to the control board , and a gesture detection result by a gesture sensor is configured to detect a gesture by emitting infrared rays through the transparent cover and receiving light reflected back from an object. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for controlling the speaker apparatus to output a sound corresponding to the sound.

Images