JP2002182827A - Image operation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image operation unit capable of quickly performing at least a specific processing such as processing contents whose frequency in use is high. SOLUTION: When a push switch is pressed down through a sheet switch within a prescribe period after a finger is touched on the sheet switch, a click signal is received within a prescribed period after receiving a touch signal. When the click signal is received within the prescribed period after receiving the touch signal, any button other than a prescribed selection button 32 is not displayed on the screen of a monitor television 26, and processing corresponding to the label displayed on the selection button 32. Thus, it is possible to quickly perform the specific processing such as the processing, etc., whose frequency in use is high.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a screen operation device for switching a screen displayed on a monitor television, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called car navigation device capable of displaying, for example, a map screen on a monitor television mounted on a vehicle and confirming the current position of the vehicle has tended to become more sophisticated. On the other hand, with the enhancement of functions of such a car navigation device, it is difficult to provide an operation button and an operation switch for each function with respect to a controller for operating the car navigation device.

[0003] As a processing method for solving the above problems, for example, several types of processing including specific processing belong to a specific function, and several types of functions including this specific function are added to higher-level functions. In addition, a so-called hierarchical process in which a menu screen is set for each function on the monitor television and a desired process is finally executed while selecting a lower function on the menu screen is conceivable.

In such a hierarchical process, basically, it is sufficient to provide operation buttons and the like by the number displayed on the menu screen, and it is possible to achieve high functionality without increasing the number of operation buttons and the like. .

[0005]

However, in the hierarchical processing as described above, even if the processing content is frequently used, it takes time to reach the processing. Was desired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a screen operation device capable of quickly performing at least a specific process such as a process frequently used in consideration of the above fact.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screen operating device, comprising: an operating body detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an operating body on an operating surface; and a pressing means for detecting a pressing force applied to the operating surface. A pressure detection unit, and, when the pressing force detecting unit does not detect the pressing force after a lapse of a predetermined time after the operating unit detecting unit detects the operating unit, causes the output unit to output a predetermined screen; And control means for performing a specific process other than outputting the predetermined screen when the pressing force detecting means detects the pressing force within a predetermined time.

In the screen operating device having the above structure, when an operating body such as a human finger is positioned on the operating surface, the operating body detecting means detects the operating body, and, for example, a pressing force is applied to the operating surface by the operating body or the like. And the pressing force are detected by the pressing force detecting means.

When the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool on the operating surface, the control means or other timing means starts timing, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the operating tool detecting means detected the operating tool on the operating surface. If the pressing force detecting means has not detected the pressing force even after the elapse, the control means outputs a predetermined screen to the output means. Therefore, in this state, the operator can check the predetermined screen output to the output unit. For example, if the predetermined screen is a guidance screen for guiding the subsequent operation, the operator can confirm the screen and confirm the subsequent operation. Can be performed.

On the other hand, when the pressing force detecting means detects the pressing force within a predetermined time after the operating body detecting means detects the operating body on the operating surface, a specific processing other than the predetermined screen output to the output means is performed. Is performed by the control means. This allows
For example, if the processing content of the specific processing is known without checking the output unit, the specific processing is executed by applying the pressing force to the operation surface within the predetermined time as described above. The processing can be executed more quickly than when the processing is performed again after confirming the operation content by means. For this reason,
It is possible to prevent or reduce the operator's discomfort caused by processing delays and the output of unnecessary operation contents.

In the present invention, for example, a predetermined screen is output to the output means after a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the operating body by the operating body detecting means, and thereafter, the pressing force detecting means detects the pressing force. When some processing is performed by the control means or other means, the content of the processing at this time may be the same as or different from the specific processing described above.

The above-described specific processing may be completely different from the output of the predetermined screen to the output means which is performed after a predetermined time has passed since the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool. Alternatively, the processing may be such that only a part of the predetermined screen is output, or a part or all of the screen other than the predetermined screen may be output.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screen operation device, comprising: an operating body detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an operating body on an operating surface; and a predetermined time period after the operating body detecting means detects the operating body. When the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool, the output means outputs a predetermined screen, and the operating tool detecting means within the predetermined time after the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool. And control means for performing a specific process other than outputting the predetermined screen when the operation tool is no longer detected.

In the screen operation device having the above-mentioned configuration, when an operation body such as a human finger is positioned on the operation surface, the operation body detection means detects the operation body.

When the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool on the operating surface, the control means or other timing means starts timing, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the operating tool detecting means detected the operating tool on the operating surface. If the operating tool detection means has detected the operating tool on the operation surface even after the elapse, the control unit outputs a predetermined screen to the output unit. Therefore, in this state, the operator can check the predetermined screen output to the output unit. For example, if the predetermined screen is a guidance screen for guiding the subsequent operation, the operator can confirm the screen and confirm the subsequent operation. Can be performed.

On the other hand, when the operating body is located on the operating surface and the operating body is separated from the operating surface within a predetermined time by the operating body detecting means, the operating body is detected within a predetermined period of time. When the operation tool on the operation surface is not detected by the operation tool detection means within the time, a specific process other than outputting a predetermined screen to the output means is performed by the control means.
Thereby, for example, when the processing content of the specific processing is known without checking the output unit, the specific processing is executed by separating the operation tool from the operation surface within the predetermined time as described above. Therefore, the processing can be executed more quickly than when the operation is confirmed again by the output unit and the processing is performed again. For this reason, it is possible to prevent or reduce the discomfort caused by the operator due to processing delays or the output of unnecessary operation contents.

In the present invention, for example, after a predetermined time has passed since the operating tool detecting means has detected the operating tool, the control means or other means may execute any operation performed after a predetermined screen is output to the output means. The processing to be performed may be the same as the above-described specific processing, or may be different.

The above-described specific processing may be completely different from the output of the predetermined screen to the output means which is performed after a predetermined time has passed since the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool. Alternatively, the processing may be such that only a part of the predetermined screen is output, or a part or all of the screen other than the predetermined screen may be output.

Further, the specific processing of the present invention described in claim 2 and the specific processing of the present invention described in claim 1 may be the same processing or different processing. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screen operation device, comprising: an operating body detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an operating body on an operating surface; a pressing force detecting means for detecting a pressing force applied to the operating surface;
When the pressing force detecting means detects the pressing force within a predetermined time after the operating body detecting means detects the operating body, and when the operating body detecting means detects the operating body, When the operating tool detecting means no longer detects the operating tool within the same or different time as the time, while outputting the predetermined screen to the output means in any one of the cases, and in any other case, Control means for performing a specific process other than the output of the predetermined screen.

In the screen operating device having the above-mentioned structure, when an operating body such as a human finger is positioned on the operating surface, the operating body detecting means detects the operating body, and, for example, a pressing force is applied to the operating surface by the operating body or the like. And the pressing force are detected by the pressing force detecting means.

When the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool on the operating surface, the control means or other timing means starts timing, and within a predetermined time after the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool on the operating surface. When the pressing force detecting means detects the pressing force,
And when the operating tool is not detected within the same or different time from the predetermined time by, for example, separating the operating tool from the operating screen within a predetermined time after the operating tool is positioned on the operation surface. In either case, the control unit outputs a predetermined screen to the output unit. Therefore, in this state, the operator can check the predetermined screen output to the output unit. For example, if the predetermined screen is a guidance screen for guiding the subsequent operation, the operator can confirm the screen and confirm the subsequent operation. Can be performed.

On the other hand, when the pressing force detecting means detects the pressing force within a predetermined time after the operating body detecting means detects the operating body on the operation surface, and when the operating body detecting means detects the pressing force within the predetermined time. In the case where the operation tool is no longer detected within the same or different time from the above, a specific process other than outputting the predetermined screen to the output unit is performed by the control unit. Thus, for example, when the processing content of the specific processing is known without checking the output unit, the specific processing is performed by performing the operation that leads to one of the other cases as described above. The processing can be executed more quickly than when the processing is performed again after confirming the operation content by the output means. For this reason, it is possible to prevent or reduce the discomfort caused by the operator due to processing delays or the output of unnecessary operation contents.

In the present invention, a predetermined screen is output to the output means after the operation leading to either one of the above cases, and then the operation leading to the other case or a different operation is performed. Alternatively, if it is fair that some means performs some processing, the processing content at this time may be the same as or different from the specific processing described above.

The above-mentioned specific processing may be completely different from the output of the predetermined screen by the output means performed in either case. For example, only a part of the predetermined screen may be output. It may be a process of outputting, or a part or all of a screen other than the predetermined screen.

Further, the predetermined screen output to the specific processing and output means according to the present invention described in claim 3 is the predetermined screen output to the specific processing and output means according to the first or second invention. And may be the same or different.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Configuration of First Embodiment> FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic external view of a car navigation device 10 having a screen operation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention as one function, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the car navigation device 10. Indicated by

As shown in these drawings, the car navigation device 10 includes a device main body 12. The apparatus main body 12 is formed in a box shape as a whole, and is housed in a housing (not shown) formed in an instrument panel of the vehicle. An opening 16 is formed in an outer wall portion 14 of the device main body 12 that is exposed to the interior of the vehicle when housed in the housing portion, and a window 18 that is transparent or colored so that infrared light can pass therethrough is fitted. Have been. An infrared light receiving section 20 shown in FIG. 2 is provided inside the apparatus main body 12 through the opening 16.

The infrared light receiving section 20 is connected to a control section 22 as control means such as a CPU provided inside the apparatus main body 12, and transmits an electric signal corresponding to the received infrared signal to the control section 22. ing. On the other hand, the control unit 22 is connected to a storage medium 24 provided inside the apparatus main body 12 or outside the apparatus main body 12, reads various programs stored in the storage medium 24, and processes and executes the programs. .

On the other hand, the car navigation device 10 has a monitor television 26 as an output means. The monitor television 26 is installed at a predetermined installation location including on the instrument panel of the vehicle so as to be visible from the driver's seat or the like. The monitor television 26 is connected to the control unit 22 of the apparatus main body 12 via a connection means such as a flat cable, and can display a processing result and an execution result in the control unit 22.

More specifically, for example, when the control unit 22 reads a car navigation program from the storage medium 24, the control unit 22 develops map data and the like as a main screen as shown in FIG. .

Further, for example, the control unit 22
When a normal trace mode process, which will be described later, is executed in the car navigation program, a plurality of selection buttons 3 are displayed on the map screen as shown in FIG.
2, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 4
8, 50, 52, and 54 are displayed in a matrix (in this embodiment, 4 rows and 3 columns), and labels such as names of processes and functions that can be executed or started from the main menu are displayed on the selection buttons 32 to 54. indicate.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the car navigation device 10 includes a controller 70 as input means. Here, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the controller 70, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration of a main part of the controller 70.

As shown in FIG.
Includes a case 76 constituted by a lower case 72 and an upper case 74. The lower case 72 is formed in a substantially box shape opened toward one side in the thickness direction. On the other hand, the upper case 74 has a substantially box shape opened toward the side opposite to the lower case 72, and the lower case 72 and the upper case 74 are integrally connected with their open ends facing each other. .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a substantially rectangular opening 80 is formed in the upper bottom 78 of the upper case 74, and the case 76 corresponds to the opening 80. A panel 84 is provided as an operation surface constituting the panel switch 82. The panel 84 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate having an outer peripheral shape corresponding to the opening 80.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a substrate 86 is disposed substantially parallel below the panel 84 (on the lower case 72 side). Wiring such as printed wiring is provided on at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the substrate 86, and the CPU 88, the battery 90, and electric components such as a resistor and a capacitor are electrically connected by the above wiring. ing.

The substrate 86 is directly or indirectly fixed to the upper case 74 or the lower case 72 by holding means (not shown). A compression coil spring 92 is disposed on the substrate 86, and supports the panel 84 so as to be able to move toward and away from the substrate 86 in a state where the panel 84 is urged toward the opening 80 side. Further, a stopper 94 is formed in the upper case 74. The stopper 94 is engaged with the outer peripheral portion of the panel 84 and holds the panel 84 so as not to be separated from the substrate 86 by a predetermined distance or more.

Further, between the panel 84 and the substrate 86, there is provided a push switch 96 as a pressing force detecting means constituting a panel switch 82 together with the panel 84. The push switch 96 has a main body 98. The main body 98 has a fixed contact (not shown). This fixed contact is electrically connected to the wiring of the substrate 86. Further, a movable portion 100 is provided on the main body 98.
The movable portion 100 is movable with respect to the main body 98 in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the panel 84 contacts and separates from the substrate 86,
By moving in a direction approaching the substrate 86, at least a part moves into the main body 98. The movable section 100 has a movable contact (not shown), and the movable section 100
When it moves in the direction approaching 6, it comes into contact with the fixed contact of the main body 98 and becomes conductive, and when it moves away from the substrate 86, the conduction with the fixed contact is released.

The opposite side of the movable portion 100 from the main body 98 is in contact with the back surface of the panel 84. Therefore, panel 84
Of the substrate 86 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 92.
The movable part 100 moves in the direction approaching the
6, the movable contact of the movable part 100 comes into contact with the fixed contact of the main body 98.

Further, an infrared light emitting element 102 is disposed on the back surface near the outer periphery of the substrate 86. The infrared light emitting element 102 is electrically connected to the CPU 88 and the battery 90, and emits an infrared signal L based on a signal from the CPU 88. An opening 106 is formed in the side wall 104 of the lower case 72 corresponding to the infrared light emitting element 102. A window 108 that is transparent or colored to the extent that infrared light can pass therethrough is fitted into the opening 106, and an infrared signal L emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102 passes through the window 108 to the outside of the case 76. Then, the light passes through the window 18 of the apparatus main body 12 described above and is received by the infrared receiving unit 20.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A sheet switch 1 as an operating body detecting means is provided on the front side of
10 are placed. Here, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the seat switch 110 in an unfolded state. As shown in this figure, the seat switch 110 is a pair of bases 1.
12 and 114 are provided. These bases 112, 11
4 is, for example, each formed of an insulating synthetic resin material in a sheet shape having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and at least the base portion 114 has a predetermined size or more (for example, the degree that a person presses lightly with a finger). The rigidity is set to such an extent that it can be elastically deformed by the pressing force of (2). The base 112 has one end in the width direction (right side in FIG. 5) and the other end in the width direction of the base 114 (FIG. 5).
Of the base 112 and the base 1
The base 112 is connected to the base 1 with the connecting portion 116 to the base 14 as an axis.
14 can be relatively rotated.

Further, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) line terminals 122, 12 are provided on the surface of the base 112.
4, 126 and 128 are formed. Each of the line terminals 122 to 128 has a long linear shape or a rod shape along the width direction of the base 112, and is formed parallel to each other at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the base 112.

On the other hand, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) line terminals 132, 134, 1
36 are formed. These line terminals 132-1
Each of the bases 36 has a linear shape or a rod shape along the longitudinal direction of the base 114, and is formed parallel to each other at predetermined intervals along the width direction of the base 114.

Further, a connector 140 is formed at the other end in the width direction of the base 112. A plurality of (seven in the present embodiment) connection lines 142 are formed on these connector portions 140 corresponding to each of the line terminals 122 to 128 described above. One end of each connection line 142 is electrically connected to one end of a corresponding one of the line terminals 122 to 136 via the surface of the base 112 and the base 114.

On the other hand, each connection line 142 is electrically connected to a printed wiring or the like of the board 86 shown in FIG. 4 through a lead wire (not shown) of another connector portion mechanically connected to the connector portion 140. And is electrically connected to the CPU 88 via the printed wiring of the substrate 86 and the like.

The base portion 112 and the base portion 114 are folded back at the connecting portion 116 so that the surfaces thereof face each other, whereby the line terminals 132 to 114 are formed on the base portion 112 in FIG. 136 is the line terminal 12
2 to 128, the line terminals 122 to 1
36 will be arranged in a grid pattern. In this state, any of the line terminals 122 to 128 and the line terminals 132 to 1
When any one of the contacts 36 comes into contact with and conducts, this conduction is detected by the CPU 88.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a plurality of touch portions 150, 152, 154, and 15 are provided on the back surface of the base 114 (ie, the front surface of the sheet switch 110).
6, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 16
8, 170, 172 are formed. These touch portions 150 to 172 are formed in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns as a whole, and each of the touch portions 150 to 172 has a line terminal 132 to
136 and the intersection of the line terminals 122-128. Therefore, by pressing the surface of the sheet switch 110 (that is, the back surface of the base 114) with any part of these touch units 150 to 172, any one of the line terminals 132 to 136 and the line terminal 1
It is configured to conduct with any of 22 to 128,
That is, it is a kind of reference for the pressed portion.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, all or some of these touch units 150 to 172 (in this embodiment, touch units 150 to 172 excluding touch units 152, 158, and 164) are supported. Then, a label is displayed on the back surface of the base 114 (that is, the front surface of the sheet switch 110). These labels mean each process in the direct enter mode described later. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, all of these labels are composed of characters. However, basically, the labels are configured so that the names and contents of the respective processes in the direct enter mode can be seen. For example, various symbols (including pictographs) other than characters may be used.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Are formed with a plurality of protrusions 144 on the surface thereof. These projections 144 are formed so as to be located on the sides of the line terminals 132 to 136 with the line terminals 122 to 128 facing the surface and the line terminals 132 to 136 facing the surface of the base 112. When folded around the portion 116, the base 114 is held with the surface of the base 114 separated from the surface of the base 112 by a predetermined distance. Therefore, in the normal state, the line terminal 12
2 to 128 and the line terminals 132 to 136 are separated from each other.

<Operation and Effect of First Embodiment> (Outline of Operation of Controller 70) Next, before describing the overall operation and effect of the present embodiment, the operation of the controller 70 will be briefly described. .

In this embodiment, when the controller 70 is viewed in a plan view (that is, in the state shown in FIG. 3), the line terminals 122 to
When one of the touch units 150 to 172 on the sheet switch 110 near the intersection of any one of the line terminals 132 to 136 is pressed by touching the touch unit 160, for example, the touch unit 160
As a result, the base 114 of the seat switch 110 is elastically deformed. As a result, the line terminal 124 and the line terminal 136 having the intersection at the vicinity of the touch unit 160 are brought into contact with and electrically connected to each other.
In the vicinity of 2, the base 114 is supported by the projection 144, so that the line terminals 122 to 136 do not come into contact with each other and conduct.

The line terminal 124 and the line terminal 136
Is detected by the CPU 88, and the CPU 88, which detects the conduction, sends the infrared light emitting element 102 a line terminal 124 from among several types of infrared signals L.
A light emission signal is transmitted to transmit (emit light) an infrared signal L corresponding to conduction between the power supply and the line terminal 136. The infrared signal L corresponding to the conduction between the line terminal 124 and the line terminal 136 emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102 in response to the reception of the light emission signal is received by the infrared light receiving section 20 of the apparatus main body 12, The control unit 22 includes the infrared receiving unit 2
0 receives an electric signal based on the received infrared signal L. Hereinafter, the electric signal that the control unit 22 receives from the infrared light receiving unit 20 based on the infrared signal L when any one of the line terminals 122 to 128 and any one of the line terminals 132 to 136 conducts is referred to as a “touch signal” for convenience. Name.

On the other hand, while the operator touches the back surface of the base 114 of the seat switch 110 with a finger, the seat switch 11
When a pressing force exceeding the urging force of the compression coil spring 92 is applied to the panel 84 via the
6 so that the movable contact of the movable part 100 of the push switch 96 and the main body 9 of the push switch 96 are moved.
No. 8 fixed contact makes contact and conducts. The conduction between the movable contact of the movable part 100 and the fixed contact of the main body 98 is detected by the CPU 88 electrically connected to the fixed contact, and the conduction between the movable contact of the movable part 100 and the fixed contact of the main body 98 is determined by CP.
When U88 detects, the CPU 88 sets the infrared light emitting element 10
From 2, an infrared signal L based on a conduction signal between the movable contact of the movable section 100 and the fixed contact of the main body 98 is emitted.

The infrared signal L thus emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102 is received by the infrared light receiving section 20 of the apparatus main body 12, and the control section 22 further controls the infrared light receiving section 20.
Receives an electrical signal corresponding to the received infrared signal L. Hereinafter, the movable portion 100 of the push switch 96 will be described.
The electric signal received by the control unit 22 from the infrared light receiving unit 20 based on the infrared signal L when the movable contact and the fixed contact of the main body 98 are conducted is referred to as a “click signal” for convenience.

(Functions and Effects in Function Selection Processing) Next, functions and effects related to the function selection processing for selecting various processings and functions in the car navigation device 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. explain.

In the car navigation apparatus 10, when the car navigation program is read from the storage medium 24 and executed by the control unit 22 in step 200, for example, the control unit 22 transmits the map data to the storage medium 2.
4, the map is displayed on the monitor TV 26 as an example.

Next, at step 202, an initial setting process is performed. In the initial setting process of step 202, 0 is substituted for the flag F1 and reset, and the elapsed time T in a timer (timer program) described later is set to 0.
Is assigned and reset. Step 2 from this state
At 04, the control unit determines whether the infrared light receiving unit 20 has received the infrared signal L from the infrared light emitting element 102 (controller 70), that is, whether the control unit 22 has received the electric signal from the infrared light receiving unit 20. 22. Here, for example, an operator's finger or the like does not touch the sheet switch 110 described above, and thus the line terminal 1
If none of the terminals 22 to 136 is conductive, no touch signal is sent from the infrared receiving unit 20. Therefore, in this state, the process returns to step 202.
In other words, this state is a signal waiting state until a touch signal is received.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 204 that a touch signal has been received, a timer (timer program) is activated in step 206 and time measurement is started.
Next, at step 208, it is determined whether or not a click signal has been received. If the click signal has been received, 1 is substituted for the flag F1 at step 210, and the process proceeds to step 212. The process proceeds to step 212 without passing through step 210.

In step 212, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time T from when the timer starts measuring time exceeds a preset time TA. The set time TA is not particularly limited. However, basically, it is sufficient that the length is set to such a degree that the operator does not feel discomfort such as operation delay.
It is preferably about 0.2 to 0.4 seconds. This step 21
If the elapsed time T does not exceed the set time TA in step 2, the process returns to step 208, and steps 208 to 212 are circulated until the elapsed time T exceeds the set time TA.

At step 212, the elapsed time T is equal to the set time T.
If it is determined that A has exceeded A, the elapsed time T is reset once in step 214, and then, in step 216, it is determined whether or not 1 has been substituted for the flag F1. It is determined whether a signal has been received. If it is determined in step 216 that 1 has not been assigned to the flag F1 (remaining reset), the flow advances to step 218 to start the normal trace mode processing.

Here, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the normal trace mode processing.

When the normal trace mode process is started in step 250, first, in step 252, a process of displaying a main menu corresponding to a predetermined screen in claims is performed. In the main menu display process, the control unit 22 reads the button data from the storage medium 24, and displays a plurality of selection buttons 32 to 54 on a screen of the monitor television 26 in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns as shown in FIG. Will be displayed. At this time, the control section 22 reads the label data from the storage medium 24, and displays the label on each of the selection buttons 32 to 54. These labels are characters and symbols (including pictograms) indicating the names, abbreviations, outlines of functions, and the like of processes and functions that can be continuously performed from the main menu. You can check the processes and functions that can be performed.

Next, at step 254, the touch signal immediately before the normal trace mode processing is performed is processed. In this touch signal processing, for example, the touch signal immediately before the normal trace mode processing is performed is the touch signal corresponding to the touch unit 154 (that is, the line terminal 1).
22), the selection buttons 32 to 54 arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns are provided in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns. The selection button 32 of the matrix position corresponding to the matrix position of the touch unit 154 among the touch units 150 to 172 is highlighted, and if it is determined as it is, the processing or function of the label displayed on the selection button 32 is executed. (See FIG. 10).

When the touch signal processing is completed, step 2
The control unit 22 determines whether or not the control unit 22 receives an electric signal from the infrared light receiving unit 20 after shifting to the normal trace mode processing at 56. Here, if the touch signal or the click signal has not been received after the transition to the normal trace mode processing, the process returns to step 254 as it is.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 256 that the control unit 22 has received the electric signal from the infrared light receiving unit 20, the received signal is processed in step 258, and the signal is further processed in step 260. Is a touch signal. If the signal at this time is a click signal, click signal processing is performed in step 264. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the process proceeds to step 264 with the selection button 32 highlighted, as shown in FIG.
Is changed to a color different from any of the inverted display state and the state before the inverted display (normal state). In the present embodiment, the corresponding selection buttons 32 to 5 are used in the click signal processing.
4 (the selection button 32 in the state of FIG. 11), for example, the selection buttons 34 to 54 other than the selection button 32 highlighted and the selection buttons 34
The labels displayed corresponding to .about.54 may be deleted from the screen of the monitor television 26 by the click signal processing.

Next, at step 266, the corresponding selection buttons 32 to 54 (in the state of FIG.
The process corresponding to the label displayed in 2) is executed, and the program of the function corresponding to the label is executed. In step 218, a series of processes of the normal trace mode process is performed, and the process proceeds to step 220 in FIG. . Step 22
In the case of 0, 0 is substituted for the flag F1 and reset, and the routine proceeds to step 222, where a series of processing ends. Note that, for example, when the program of the function activated in step 266 in FIG. 7 further has a menu screen, the same processing as the normal trace mode processing is performed. You end up with the processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 260 that the signal received in step 258 in FIG. 7 is a touch signal, the process proceeds to step 262, where the received touch signal is the touch signal received immediately before the reception of the touch signal. It is determined whether the signal is the same as the signal. Here, when it is determined that they are the same touch signal, the process returns to step 256, and when it is determined that they are not the same touch signal,
Touch signal processing is performed in step 254 based on the new touch signal.

As described above, in the normal trace mode processing, the main menu is displayed on the screen of the monitor television 26, so that the desired processing or function can be reliably selected while looking at the main menu.

When it is determined at step 216 in FIG. 6 that 1 has been assigned to the flag F1, that is, the control unit 22 outputs a click signal even once before the elapsed time T exceeds the set time TA. If received, the process proceeds to steps 224 and 226 in direct enter mode processing.

In the direct enter mode processing,
First, in step 224, a display process of a button corresponding to one of the specific processes described in the claims is performed. In this button display processing, the control unit 22 reads the button data from the storage medium 24. However,
In the corresponding button display in the direct enter mode processing, the button data corresponding to all the selection buttons 32 to 54 is not read as in the normal trace mode processing described above. For example, the touch signal immediately before the direct enter mode processing is performed is the touch signal corresponding to the touch unit 154 (that is, the line terminal 1).
In the case of a touch signal when the terminal 22 and the line terminal 136 are conducted), the selection buttons 32 to 54 which should be arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns are also provided in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns. Touched parts 150-172
Among them, only the selection button 32 of the matrix position corresponding to the matrix position of the touch unit 154 is displayed on the monitor television 26 in the same manner as the click signal receiving process in step 264 of FIG. 7 (see FIG. 12).

At this time, the control section 22 reads the label data corresponding to the touch signal from the storage medium 24. However, the label data at this time is different from the label data at the time of the normal trace mode processing described above, and is merely the label data at the time of the direct enter mode processing. The label data in the direct enter mode processing is the same as the label displayed on each of the touch units 150 to 157 of the sheet switch 110. Therefore, the label displayed on the monitor television 26 in this state is the same as the label of the touch unit 154.

Further, the displayed selection button 32 and the label displayed on the selection button 32 are displayed in different colors from the normal state and the inversion processing state in the normal trace mode processing (that is, in the normal trace mode processing). In the same state as after the click signal processing. In the present embodiment, the displayed selection button 32 and the label displayed on the selection button 32 are displayed in different colors from the normal state and the inversion processing state in the normal trace mode processing. The display may be performed in the same state as the normal state in the normal trace mode processing, or may be reversed. Furthermore, although the reason will be described later,
In the configuration in which the process of step 224 is not performed, that is, the selection button 3
It is good also as composition which does not display 2-54 and a label.

Next, at step 226, the execution of the corresponding process or the activation of the corresponding function, which is the process corresponding to the specific process described in the claims, is performed. In this step 266, processing corresponding to the label displayed on the displayed selection buttons 32 to 54 (the selection button 32 in the state of FIG. 12) is executed, and a program of a function corresponding to the label is executed. , A series of normal trace mode processing is performed, and the routine proceeds to step 220 in FIG. In step 220, 0 is substituted for the flag F1 and reset, and the process proceeds to step 220.

As described above, in the present embodiment, any one of the touch units 150 to 172 is touched to touch the line terminals 122 to 1.
28 and any of the line terminals 132 to 136 are conducted, within a set time TA (that is, immediately).
By making the movable contact of the movable portion 100 of the push switch 96 and the fixed contact of the main body 98 conductive through the sheet switch 110 and the panel 84, it is possible to shift to the direct enter mode process. Therefore, as long as the processing can be executed in the direct enter mode processing or a function that can be activated, a desired processing or function can be immediately executed without selecting a processing or function while watching the monitor television 26. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or reduce the discomfort that the operator may have due to the processing delay or the like and the display on the monitor television 26 that is not particularly required at present.

Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the names and the like of the processes and functions at the time of the direct enter mode processing are displayed on the sheet switch 110. Even if the mode processing is started, the desired processing or function can be executed without any confirmation without watching the monitor television 26.

In this embodiment, when the click signal is received within the set time TA from the reception of the touch signal, the process shifts to the direct enter mode processing in steps 226 and 228 (the first embodiment of the present invention). However, if the finger is released from the sheet switch 110 within the set time TA from the reception of the touch signal and the control unit 22 does not receive any of the touch signal and the click signal, the process proceeds to steps 226 and 228. A configuration for shifting to the direct enter mode process (corresponding to claim 2 of the claims) may be adopted. Even in this case, basically the same effect as the above-described effect can be obtained.

<Second Embodiment> Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiments, only the features different from those of the first embodiment are added to the function selection processing, and the mechanical configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Description of the configuration is omitted. The operation and effect related to the function selection processing in each of the following embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, 18, and 1.
9 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 which are basically the same as those in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 used in describing the first embodiment. A number is given and the description is omitted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a function selecting process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the present embodiment, when the car navigation program is read from the storage medium 24 and executed by the control unit 22 in step 300, for example, the map data is read from the storage medium 24 and expanded by the control unit 22. For example, a map as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the monitor television 26.

Next, in step 302, an initial setting process is performed. In the initial setting process of step 302, each of the flags F1, F2, and F3 is reset by assigning 0, and at the same time, 0 is assigned to the elapsed time T in the timer (timer program) and reset. From this state, the process reaches step 208 via steps 204 and 206. In step 208, it is determined whether or not the click signal from the infrared light receiving unit 20 is received by the control unit 22. If it is determined that the click signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step 304.

In step 304, step 206
It is determined whether or not a touch signal has been received after the timer has been started. If a touch signal has been received, 1 is assigned to the flag F2 in step 306, and the process proceeds to step 212. If it is determined in step 304 that no touch signal has been received, step 308
It is determined whether or not 1 is assigned to the flag F2, and
If it is determined in step 308 that 1 has not been substituted for the flag F2, then in step 310 the flag F3
Is set to 1 and it is determined that 1 is set to the flag F2.
Proceed to 2.

That is, in the present embodiment, step 2
If the click signal has been received at least once before the elapsed time T from the start of the timer at 06 exceeds the set time TA, 1 is substituted for the flag F1. Further, a state in which no touch signal is received intervenes between the touch signal determined to be received in step 204 and the touch signal determined to be received in step 304, that is, the sheet switch 110 Is touched twice, and if a touch signal is received twice instantaneously, 1 is assigned to the flag F3.

However, since the touch signal determined to be received in step 204 is continuously received, if it is determined in step 304 that the touch signal has been received, 1 is substituted for the flag F2. Is not substituted for the flag F3.

On the other hand, when the elapsed time T exceeds the set time TA, the process proceeds from step 212 to step 214, and step 2
Step 216 after the elapsed time T is reset at 14
Is determined whether 1 is substituted for the flag F1. In the present embodiment, the flag F1 is determined in step 216.
If it is determined that 1 has not been substituted for 1, the process proceeds to step 312 to determine whether 1 has been substituted for the flag F3. If it is determined in step 312 that 1 has not been assigned to the flag F3, step 21
At step 8, the normal trace mode process is performed. If it is determined at step 312 that 1 is substituted for the flag F3, the process proceeds to step 310, where the tap menu mode process is performed.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart in the tap menu mode processing. As shown in this figure, when the tap menu mode process is started in step 350, first, in step 352, a display process of a first menu corresponding to one of the specific processes described in the claims is performed. In the display processing of the first menu, the control unit 22 stores the button data in the storage medium 24.
From the monitor TV 2 as shown in FIG.
A plurality of selection buttons 32 to 54 are displayed in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns on the screen of No. 6. At this time, the control unit 22
The label data is read from the storage medium 24 by
A label is displayed on each of the selection buttons 32-54. These labels are characters or symbols (including pictographs) that mean the names and abbreviations of functions and functions that can be performed continuously from the first menu. The processing and functions that can be performed subsequently can be confirmed.

However, the label data at the time of executing the tap menu mode processing is different from the label data at the time of executing the normal trace mode processing in the first menu.
2 are the same as or correspond to the labels displayed in FIG. Further, each of the selection buttons 32 to 5
The matrix position of the label displayed in 4 is each touch part 150 ~
This is the same as the matrix position of the label displayed in 172.

Next, at step 354, the flag F4,
0 is substituted into F5 and reset. Further, in step 356, it is determined whether or not the infrared light receiving section 20 has received the infrared signal L from the infrared light emitting element 102 (controller 70) after the execution of the tap menu mode processing, that is, the electric signal from the infrared light receiving section 20. Control unit 22
Is determined by the control unit 22. If it is determined in step 356 that the touch signal has not been received, the process returns to step 356 as it is, and enters a touch signal reception standby state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 356 that a touch signal has been received, a timer (timer program) is activated in step 358, and time counting is started.
Next, at step 360, it is determined whether or not the touch signal has been received again after the touch signal determined to have been received at step 356. If the touch signal has been received, 1 is substituted for the flag F4 at step 362. To step 364. In step 364, it is determined whether or not a click signal has been received after the touch signal determined to be received in step 356. If a click signal has been received, 1 is substituted for the flag F5 in step 366. If it is determined in step 360 that the touch signal has not been received, or if it is determined in step 364 that the click signal has not been received, directly from step 360 or step 364 without passing through step 362 or step 366. Proceed to step 368.

At step 368, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time T from when the timer starts measuring time exceeds a preset time TA. The set time TA is not particularly limited. However, basically, it is sufficient that the length is set to such a degree that the operator does not feel discomfort such as operation delay.
It is preferably about 0.2 to 0.4 seconds. Further, the set time TA during the direct enter mode processing may be the same as or different from the set time TA before the transition to the direct enter mode processing (the flowchart of FIG. 13).

If the elapsed time T does not exceed the set time TA in step 368, the process returns to step 360, and the steps 360 to 3 are performed until the elapsed time T exceeds the set time TA.
Cycle 68.

At step 368, the elapsed time T is equal to the set time T.
If it is determined that A has exceeded A, the elapsed time T is reset once in step 370, and then, in step 372, it is determined whether or not 1 has been substituted for the flag F5, ie, the elapsed time since the timer was started in step 358. It is determined whether a click signal has been received at least once before T exceeds the set time TA.

If it is determined in step 372 that 1 has not been assigned to the flag F5, it is determined in step 374 whether 1 has been assigned to the flag F4, that is, the elapsed time T since the timer was started in step 358. It is determined whether a touch signal has been received at least once before the time exceeds the set time TA.

If it is determined in step 374 that 1 has been assigned to the flag F4, touch signal processing is performed in step 376. In the touch signal processing of step 374, for example, the finally received touch signal is a touch signal corresponding to the touch unit 154 (ie,
If the touch signal is a touch signal when the line terminal 122 and the line terminal 136 are conducted), the selection buttons 32 to 54 arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns are also provided in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns. Touch part 150-1
The selection button 32 of the matrix position corresponding to the matrix position of the touch unit 154 among the 72 is highlighted (see FIG. 16).
If the determination is made as it is, the process returns to step 354 after it is shown that the processing or function of the label displayed on the selection button 32 is to be executed. Although not particularly shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, if any of the selection buttons 32 to 54 has already been inverted at the time of this touch signal processing, the same selection button is also used for new touch signal processing. 32 to 54 (selection button 32 in the state of FIG. 16)
Is performed, the process directly returns to step 354 without performing new touch signal processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 372 that a click signal has been received, click signal processing is performed in step 378. In the click signal processing in step 378, for example, when the touch signal received immediately before the reception of the click signal is a touch signal corresponding to the touch unit 154, as shown in FIG. Is changed to a color that is different from both the normal state (see FIG. 15) and the inverted display state (see FIG. 16). In the present embodiment, the corresponding selection buttons 32 to 5 are used in the click signal processing.
4 (the selection button 32 in the state of FIG. 17), the selection buttons 34 to 54 other than the selection button 32 highlighted and the selection buttons 34
The labels displayed corresponding to .about.54 may be deleted from the screen of the monitor television 26 by the click signal processing.

Next, at step 380, the corresponding selection buttons 32 to 54 (in the state of FIG.
The process corresponding to the label displayed in 2) is executed, and the program of the function corresponding to the label is executed.
Next, at step 382, the flag F3 is reset, and at step 384, a series of processing of the tap menu mode processing ends, and the routine proceeds to step 316 shown in FIG.
At step 316, each of the flags F1, F2, and F3 is reset, and further, at step 318, a series of processing ends.

On the other hand, at step 372, the flag F
If it is determined that 1 has not been substituted for 5 and if it is determined in step 374 that 1 has not been substituted for the flag F4, that is, the touch signal and the touch signal after the touch signal determined to be received in step 356 When none of the click signals is received by the control unit 22 (in other words,
If the sheet switch 110 is momentarily touched only once), the process proceeds to step 382 without passing through steps 378 and 380. That is, before the timer is started in step 358, the seat switch 11 is momentarily once.
If “0” is touched, so to speak, the tap menu mode process is canceled and the process returns to the original process shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
If tap menu mode processing is executed, the first
A menu is displayed on the monitor television 26. By displaying the first menu, labels indicating all processes and functions that can be performed in the direct enter mode process are displayed on the selection button 32.
Since the information is displayed on the monitor television 26 together with .about.54, the desired process or function can be reliably selected while looking at the first menu as in the normal trace mode process.

Further, in the first menu, the monitor TV 2
6 is displayed in the same manner as the label displayed on the sheet switch 110, and can be operated without looking at the controller 70 (the sheet switch 110). You can get used to mode processing.

In this embodiment, two fingers are momentarily
The user can shift to the tap menu mode processing by touching the sheet switch 110 only once, and can cancel the tap menu mode processing by momentarily touching the sheet switch 110 once with a finger during the execution of the tap menu mode processing. That is, the operation can be performed only by operating the sheet switch 110 as in the case of performing the direct enter mode processing or shifting to the normal trace mode processing. Therefore, the operability is good, and even if such a tap menu mode process is added, it is not necessary to increase the number of buttons and the like in the controller 70.

In this embodiment, two fingers are momentarily used.
It is configured to shift to the tap menu mode processing by touching the sheet switch 110 only once.
The number of times the finger is touched is not limited to two times. For example, when canceling the tap menu mode processing,
The number of times may be three times or more.

Also, in this embodiment, 1
Although the tap menu mode process is canceled by touching the sheet switch 110 only once, the number of times the finger touches the sheet switch 110 when canceling the tap menu mode process is not limited to one.

For example, the number of times may be two or three or more as in the transition to the tap menu mode processing. Furthermore, a switch or button dedicated to cancellation may be provided on the controller 70 side, and the switch may be operated by operating the switch or button. Alternatively, any one of the selection buttons 32 to 54 displayed in the first menu indicates cancellation. Display characters and symbols (including pictograms) and select their buttons 32
The process of steps 378 and 380 may be performed in a state where .about.54 is selected to cancel the tap menu mode process.

Further, in the present embodiment, step 304
And the touch signal determined in step 360 is the touch unit 15
It does not matter which of 0 to 172, step 2
Even if the touch signal is different from the touch signal determined to have been received in step 04 or step 356, the touch signal is determined to be received in step 304 or step 360. However, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which it is determined in step 304 or 360 that the received touch signal is the same as the touch signal determined to be received in step 204 or step 356.

Also, in the present embodiment, when the sheet switch 110 is momentarily touched twice with a finger, the process shifts to the tap menu mode processing and the first menu is displayed. In addition, when the user touches the sheet switch 110 three or more times a predetermined number of times with a finger, for example, the first transition to the tap menu mode processing is performed.
It is good also as a structure which displays the 2nd menu on which the label different from the label displayed on each of the selection buttons 32-54 of a menu is displayed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the set time TA
Is basically unchanged. For example, a state in which no signal is received between a touch signal determined to be received in step 204 or step 356 and a touch signal determined to be received in step 304 or step 360 If there is, the configuration may be such that the time in the non-receiving state is also measured, and thereafter the set time TA is automatically changed based on the length.

<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the function selection processing according to the present embodiment, and the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the present embodiment, when the car navigation program is read from the storage medium 24 and executed by the control unit 22 in step 400, step 312 is executed.
Up to this, the same processing as in the second embodiment is performed. If it is determined in step 312 that 1 has been assigned to the flag F3, tap menu mode processing is performed in step 402.

Here, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the tap menu mode processing in the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, when the tap menu mode process is executed in step 400, the first process corresponding to one of the specific processes described in the claims in step 352 is performed in step 352, as in the second embodiment. A menu display process is performed.

Next, at step 452, the flag F4,
0 is substituted into F5 and F6 to be reset, and further, in step 356, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the control unit 22 has received an electric signal from the infrared light receiving unit 20.
If it is determined in step 356 that a touch signal has been received, a timer (timer program) is activated in step 358, and time measurement is started. Next, in step 360, it is determined whether or not the touch signal has been received again after the touch signal determined to be received in step 356. If it is determined that the touch signal has been received, the flag is determined in step 362. 1 is assigned to F4 and the routine proceeds to step 364. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 360 that the touch signal has not been received, step 36
Proceed to 8.

In step 364, step 356 is executed.
It is determined whether or not a click signal has been received after the touch signal determined to have been received. If it is determined in step 364 that the click signal has been received, the process proceeds to step 368 after 1 is substituted for the flag F5 in step 366.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 364 that the click signal has not been received, step 454 is executed.
It is determined whether or not 1 is assigned to the flag F5. If it is determined at step 454 that 1 has not been assigned to the flag F5, then at step 456, the flag F6
If it is determined in step 454 that 1 has been substituted in the flag F5, the flow advances to step 368 without passing through step 456.

That is, in the present embodiment, step 3
If the click signal has been received at least once before the elapsed time T from the start of the timer at 58 exceeds the set time TA, 1 is assigned to the flag F5.

A state in which no touch signal is received intervenes between the touch signal determined to be received in step 356 and the touch signal determined to be received in step 360, that is, momentarily. Seat switch 1
If 10 is touched twice and the touch signal is received twice instantaneously, 1 is substituted for the flag F6. However, when the touch signal determined to be received in step 356 is continuously received and the touch signal is also determined to be received in step 356, 1 is substituted for the flag F5. Is not assigned to.

After the above-described various determination processes and the like are performed, it is determined in step 368 whether or not the elapsed time T from when the timer starts measuring time exceeds a preset time TA. The set time TA is not particularly limited. However, basically, the length may be set to such a length that the operator does not feel discomfort such as operation delay, and the length is empirically set to 0.2 to 0.4.
Seconds are preferred. The set time TA during the direct enter mode processing is the set time T before the transition to the direct enter mode processing (the flowchart of FIG. 18).
It may be the same as A or may be different.

If the elapsed time T does not exceed the set time TA in step 368, the flow returns to step 360, and the steps 360 to 3 are performed until the elapsed time T exceeds the set time TA.
Cycle 68.

At step 368, the elapsed time T is equal to the set time T.
If it is determined that A has exceeded A, the elapsed time T is reset once in step 370, and then, in step 372, it is determined whether or not 1 has been substituted for the flag F5, ie, the elapsed time since the timer was started in step 358. It is determined whether a click signal has been received at least once before T exceeds the set time TA.

If it is determined in step 372 that 1 has not been assigned to the flag F5, the processes in steps 378 and 380 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and in steps 458, the flags F4, F5, F6 is reset and returns to the processing shown in FIG. 17 via step 460.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 372 that 1 has not been assigned to the flag F5, step 462 is executed.
It is determined whether or not 1 has been assigned to the flag F6. Here, if 1 is assigned to the flag F6, that is, if the sheet switch 110 is touched twice instantaneously, it is determined in step 464 whether the current screen display of the monitor television 26 is the first menu described above. Is determined.
If it is determined in step 464 that the current screen display of the monitor television 26 is the first menu, step 45
Proceed to 8. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 464 that the current screen display is not the first menu, then in step 466, a previous menu display process corresponding to the specific process described in the claims is performed, and the current display is performed. The menu screen is changed to the menu screen one step before the current menu screen (for example, the second menu in FIG. 20 is changed to the first menu in FIG. 15).

The previous menu display processing is basically the same as the processing in step 352 described above, except that the currently displayed label is erased from the storage medium 24 and a different label from the erased label is used. Is read by the control unit 22 and displayed. Next, at step 468, each of the flags F4, F5, and F6 is reset, and the process returns to step 356.

If it is determined in step 462 that 1 has not been assigned to the flag F6, the process proceeds to step 470.
Then, it is determined whether 1 is substituted for the flag F4. In step 470, 1 is not substituted into the flag F4, that is, the sheet switch 1 is instantaneously only once.
If the user touches the number 10 with a finger, a next menu display processing corresponding to the specific processing in claims is performed in step 472, and the menu screen is changed to a menu screen one step behind the currently displayed menu screen. (For example, the first menu in FIG. 15 is changed to the second menu in FIG. 20).

The next menu processing is basically the same as the processing in step 352 described above. The currently displayed label is erased from the storage medium 24, and data of a label (label) different from the erased label is deleted. The control unit 22 reads and displays the label data). Then, step 46
At 8, each of the flags F4, F5, and F6 is reset, and the process returns to step 356.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 470 that 1 has been assigned to the flag F4, the flow advances to step 376 to perform touch signal processing.
Further, the process proceeds to step 468.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
In addition to the same effects as in the second embodiment, it is possible to display a second menu following the first menu, and more various functions and various processes can be set.

Also, the sheet switch 110 is momentarily
If the user touches the button, the display changes to the next menu, and if the user touches the sheet switch 110 twice, the display returns to the previous menu. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the controller 70 with such special switches and buttons for menu feed.

<Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described.

The function selection processing in the present embodiment is performed by reading the car navigation program from the storage medium 24 by the control unit 22 in step 500, and thereafter, basically the same as in the second embodiment. Is performed.

However, in the present embodiment, step 312
When it is determined that 1 is substituted for the flag F3 at
Proceeding to step 502, touch signal processing is performed. In the processing of the touch signal in step 502, it is determined which of the line terminals 122 to 128 and 132 to 136 is the touch signal when the conduction is made, and the first menu based on the determination result is displayed on the monitor television 26. .

That is, the present embodiment has a configuration in which a different first menu can be displayed according to the type of the touch signal when shifting to the tap menu mode. As a result, the first menu of various functions can be immediately called, operability can be improved, and more various functions and various processes can be set. Further, by combining this embodiment with the third embodiment, it is possible to set more various functions and various processes.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, by applying a label for the direct trace mode to the touch units 150 to 172 of the controller 70, the first menu of which function is touched by touching which part (for example, ,
It is possible to easily identify whether the e-mail function, the television function, and the Internet function (first menu) are displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, by enclosing the label for the tap menu with a square, the label for the direct enter can be differentiated from the label for the direct enter, and confusion can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the first menu of various functions is displayed by instantaneously touching the sheet switch 110 twice. By touching the sheet switch 110 twice, the corresponding process may be directly executed. This refers to "whether the control unit 22 has received the click signal at least once before the elapsed time T exceeds the set time TA" and "whether or not the sheet switch 110 has been momentarily touched twice". Although the conditions for shifting are different, the point that the corresponding processing is directly executed is the same as the direct enter mode processing described above. With this setting, the number of direct enter processes can be set even more, and operability can be improved. To add further to this point,
Conditions such as "whether or not the control unit 22 has received the click signal at least once before the elapsed time T exceeds the set time TA" and "whether or not the sheet switch 110 is touched twice instantaneously" are limited. An aspect in which a certain process is directly executed based on a specific condition can be defined as "direct enter process", and a mode in which a first menu or the like of some function is displayed based on another specific condition can be defined. "Tap menu processing"
Can be defined as

[0132]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least a specific process such as a frequently used process can be performed quickly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic external appearance of a screen operation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a screen operation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a controller including a detection unit of the screen operation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a main part of the controller, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a detection unit in an unfolded state.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of the screen operation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of a normal trace mode process.

FIG. 8 is a screen example of an output unit in the screen operation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example of a screen during normal trace mode processing corresponding to FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 shows a state where touch signal processing has been performed.
6 is a screen example corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a screen example corresponding to FIG. 10 and showing a state in which click signal processing has been performed.

FIG. 12 is a screen example corresponding to FIG. 8 at the time of a direct enter mode process, which is one of the specific processes.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the screen operation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a tap menu mode process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an example of a screen corresponding to FIG. 8 in a first menu display state during a tap menu mode process, which is one of the specific processes.

FIG. 16 is an example of a screen corresponding to FIG. 15 and showing a state in which touch signal processing has been performed during tap menu mode processing, which is one of specific processing.

FIG. 17 is an example of a screen corresponding to FIG. 15 and showing a state in which click signal processing has been performed during tap menu mode processing, which is one of specific processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of the screen operation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a tap menu mode process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an example of a screen corresponding to FIG. 8 in a second menu display state during a tap menu mode process, which is one of the specific processes.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the screen operation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 22] FIG. 3 labeled with a tap menu mode
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a controller corresponding to FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 car navigation device (screen operation device) 22 control unit (control means) 26 monitor television (output means) 96 push switch (pressing force detecting means) 110 seat switch (operating body detecting means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Fujioka 3-260 Toyota, Oguchi-cho, Niwa-gun, Aichi Prefecture F-term in Tokai Rika Electric Works, Ltd. (Reference) 5B020 AA15 CC12 DD02 FF12 GG13 KK03 KK14 KK14

Claims (3)

[Claims] An operating body detecting unit configured to detect presence or absence of an operating body on an operating surface; a pressing force detecting unit configured to detect a pressing force applied to the operating surface; and the operating body detecting unit includes the operating body. When the pressing force detecting means does not detect the pressing force after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection, the output means outputs a predetermined screen, and
A control unit configured to perform a specific process other than the output of the predetermined screen when the pressing force detection unit detects the pressing force within the predetermined time. 2. An operating tool detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an operating tool on an operating surface, and the operating tool detecting means operating the operating tool for more than a predetermined time after the operating tool detecting means detects the operating tool. When a body is detected, the output means outputs a predetermined screen, and the operating body detecting means stops detecting the operating body within the predetermined time after the operating body detecting means detects the operating body. And a control unit for performing a specific process other than the output of the predetermined screen in the case of the screen operation. 3. An operating body detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an operating body on an operating surface; a pressing force detecting means for detecting a pressing force applied to the operating surface; and the operating body detecting means comprising the operating body. When the pressing force detecting means detects the pressing force within a predetermined time after the detection, and when the operating body detecting means detects the operating body, within the same or different time from the predetermined time after detecting the operating body, When the operating tool detecting means stops detecting the operating tool, a predetermined screen is output to the output means in any one of the cases, and a specific process other than the output of the predetermined screen is performed in the other case. A screen operating device comprising: