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We developed a remote control unit (Hereinafter referred to as the controller) employing mainly an eight-directional joystick with push-button function. And it has good operational feeling. As previous joysticks generated operator feeling via springs, so the click sensation could not be felt. We thought that a good click feeling can be obtained by applying rubber contacts to the switch element of the joystick. Additionally, in order to include the push-button functions, we supported the operant unit with biaxial bearing and employed a sliding-knob structure penetrating this operant unit. Also in order to obtain a uniform operator feeling for all eight directions, we applied eight rubber contacts and gave the switches eight contacts. In order to restrain the rise in IC costs with the increase to eight contacts, we introduced an eight-contact four- output switch matrix and a one-contact three-electrode pattern.

This paper describes a display unit for automotive navigation systems. The distinguishing feature of this display unit is the fact that it employs a 5.6 inch TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) for on-vehicle use. Compared with a 6-inch CRT, the unit has an expanded effective display area (screen) for improved readability, as well as greater compactness (for savingspace), lighter weight, and lower power consumption. In terms of reliability, the display unit outperforms conventional LCDs due to its wider working temperature range and outstanding resistance to thermal shock. In terms of operation, the system employs a combination of infrared touch switches, hard-key switches and a joy stick to ensure safety and ease of operation. The 1994 Model MAZDA “SENTIA” is equipped with this newly developed display unit for an automobile navigation system.

We have developed a power window switch unit for use in multiplex wiring systems for automobile doors. As the systems are multiplexed, signal switches mounted on PC boards prove to be more advantageous than conventional switches having a metal spring and metal contact. We chose to use a rubber contact in one of the signal switches, and combined a good operational feeling into the rubber contact, thereby succeeding in designing a switch structure that requires less parts. We expressed the operational feeling of the switch by four values, and designed the switch with the help of CAE to meet each of the values. We could therefore develop a rubber contact with an operational feeling as high as we had aimed without the need to make any prototypes.