JP2002229700A - Operation menu switching device and navigation device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation menu switching device allowing improving usability and a navigation device for a vehicle building in the switching device. SOLUTION: These devices comprise a displaying means (a display) 2 for selectively displaying several operation menus, a storing means (an external storage) 11 to store data relating to hierarchical correspondence among plural operation menus and plural operation menus corresponding to proficiency 6, an input means (an input part) 4 for inputting operating commands to the menu displayed on the displaying means, a determination time calculating means (a navigation ECU 5) for calculating a determination time (an operation time) tr by a display time t1 during which the operation menu is displayed thereon and an indication input time t2 by the input means afterward, a proficiency determining means 5 for determining the proficiency β according to the determination time, and a switching means 5 to select the operation menu corresponding to the proficiency β for indicating switching for the menu displayed in the operation menu.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation menu switching device for hierarchically displaying operation menus on a screen of a display device and inputting a switching instruction by selecting the displayed operation menu, and an operation menu switching device. The present invention relates to a vehicle navigation device incorporated therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a display device such as an on-vehicle navigation system has a small number of switches due to restrictions on the vehicle, a small screen of the display device, and complicated operation. The structure is adopted. In the hierarchical menu structure employed in the vehicle-mounted navigation system, a plurality of operation menus are displayed in a hierarchical manner, and a plurality of items (genres) in each operation menu are displayed.
Is selected, and a lower-level menu can be displayed or an input operation can be performed by inputting a selection instruction. However, the hierarchical menu structure that selects items in order is difficult for beginners to understand what is in the lower hierarchy, and for skilled users, the number of operations to select items in order is cumbersome. Has become.

[0003] Therefore, it is considered that the above-mentioned dissatisfaction of the user can be eliminated by adopting a hierarchical menu structure that can be used by beginners to experienced users or by switching the menu structure according to the skill level. It should be noted that a system has already been announced in which the user himself / herself is set as a beginner or an expert by manual operation, and a menu suitable for beginners and experts is switched. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-95736 discloses an operation menu having a “multiple items” of a predetermined hierarchy displayed on a display device and one item of a plurality of lower-level operation menus corresponding to the menu. And other items are displayed simultaneously on a display device. Here, when an item of the lower-level operation menu displayed together with the operation menu of the predetermined level is selected, an operation menu of the next lower level corresponding to the selected item is displayed, or various instruction inputs are made. The operation is possible, and the operation of selecting a menu of a predetermined higher hierarchy can be omitted, and the operation efficiency of selecting a menu and inputting an instruction is improved.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-160462 discloses that an operation menu to be selected next is predicted on the basis of a past operation history of a user, and is created when the operation is performed. An image to be prepared is prepared in advance of a user's actual operation, so that switching of the operation menu display on the screen of the display device can be apparently performed with a quick response. It has been disclosed.

[0005]

By the way, when a vehicle navigation system is operated for the first time, all users are beginners, but if the user repeats the operation several times, the user becomes proficient in the operation. At this time, if the system is such that the user himself / herself switches and selects a menu suitable for beginners / experts by manual operation, it often becomes difficult to judge at which point the user himself / herself switches the beginners / experts. Therefore, it is considered that if the system determines the user's proficiency, automatically determines the switching timing, and switches between a beginner / expert, the user's convenience can be improved, and improvement is desired. ing.

[0006] Based on the above-mentioned problems, the present invention firstly improves the convenience by switching and displaying operation menus suitable for beginners / experts according to the user's skill level. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation menu switching device which can be operated. Second, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle navigation device incorporating an operation menu switching device capable of switching and displaying each operation menu suitable for beginners / experts according to the user's skill level.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for selectively displaying a plurality of operation menus, data of a hierarchical correspondence between the plurality of operation menus, and proficiency of each operation menu. A plurality of storage means, an input means for inputting an operation instruction to a menu being displayed on the display means, and a display time during which the operation menu is displayed and a subsequent instruction input time by the input means. A judgment time calculating means for calculating a judgment time, a proficiency judging means for judging the proficiency according to the judgment time, and an operation menu corresponding to the proficiency from the proficiency judging means, and selecting the operation menu. And a switching means for switching and instructing the menu display.

[0008] As described above, the judgment time calculating means determines the user's time required for transition from one hierarchical menu to the next hierarchical menu by the instruction input time for transitioning to the next image from the display time when the operation menu is displayed. The determination time is calculated, the proficiency determining means determines the proficiency according to the determination time, and the switching means instructs to switch the menu display on the display means to an operation menu corresponding to the proficiency. For this reason, it is possible to judge the proficiency by one number, which is the judgment time, to automatically switch to a menu corresponding to the proficiency, or to present a menu switching advice to the user, thereby improving the intelligibility. The troublesomeness can be reduced, and the convenience can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the operation menu switching device according to the first aspect, the proficiency level determination means calculates a ratio between the determination time and a reference determination time calculated from an operation model created in advance. And a standard deviation calculating means for calculating a standard deviation from the standard deviation, and a skill level is determined based on the standard deviation.

As described above, the standard deviation of the ratio between the judgment time and the reference judgment time calculated from the operation model created in advance is obtained, the proficiency is set using this as an index, and the menu is automatically set in accordance with the proficiency. By switching the menus and presenting the menu switching advice to the user, it is possible to improve the intelligibility and reduce the troublesomeness at the same time. Although there are many factors such as fluctuations in, the proficiency level is determined based on the standard deviation, so that the proficiency level can be obtained in consideration of these factors. Preferably, the determination time calculation means may calculate the determination time by excluding data in the case of a wrong selection. In this case, the wrong selection of the operation menu item
This can happen to both beginners and experts, and removing this improves the accuracy of the determination.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle navigation device reads travel guide data stored in a storage device based on input vehicle position information and vehicle status information, and travels the display device using display means. 2. The vehicle navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the navigation image is displayed.
Or the operation menu switching device according to item 2 is incorporated. As described above, since the operation menu switching device according to claim 1 or 2 is incorporated in the vehicle navigation device, the number of switches is small and the screen of the display device is small due to restrictions on the vehicle, and the operation is complicated. When switching the operation menu of an in-vehicle navigation system that adopts a hierarchical menu structure, the user's proficiency is determined by a single number, the judgment time, and an operation menu suitable for beginners / experts is selected according to the proficiency. It is possible to provide a vehicle navigation device that can be selected and automatically switched to a menu corresponding to the proficiency level, can provide menu switching advice to the user, and can improve convenience.

[0012]

1 and 2 show a vehicle navigation apparatus incorporating an operation menu switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this vehicle navigation device, a display 2 is mounted on the upper center of an instrument panel 1, and an input unit 4 is mounted on an operation panel 3 provided below the display. The display 2 is a display means for displaying an operation mode image and a navigation image such as a map, which will be described later, on a screen thereof, and is connected to a navigation ECU 5 attached to a vehicle body base (not shown) by a signal line.

The navigation device for a vehicle retrieves map data based on latitude data, longitude data, altitude data, and the like representing the current position of the vehicle, and based on the map data. To display a map centering on the current point on the display 2, search for the optimal route from the departure point or the current position to the destination desired by the user, and display appropriate guidance on the display 2 together with the map. , And at least an auxiliary function such as a destination setting in addition to the navigation function. Such a navigation device for a vehicle includes a display unit 6, an input unit 4, an audio output device 7, a GPS receiver 8, a sensor unit 9, an external storage device 11, these GPS receivers 8, sensors It comprises a navigation unit 5 as a control unit for reading data from the unit 9, the input unit 4, and the external storage device 11 as appropriate, and controlling the driving of the display unit 6 and the audio output device 7 based on the data.

The display unit 6 comprises a display 2 such as a CRT or LCD, a display control circuit for displaying an image on the display 2, and the like, and displays a road map, various messages, and the like. The voice output device 7 includes a speaker 12 for outputting voice guidance and various message sounds, and the speaker 1.
2 is equipped with an audio processor for synthesizing the audio output from the D / A 2 and a D / A conversion circuit. The GPS receiver 8 has a G
PS (Global Positioning Sys)
tem), transmits a radio wave from an artificial satellite (NAVSTAR), converts the frequency of the received signal, demodulates the signal, and displays latitude data, longitude data, and altitude representing the position of the reception point (ie, current position). In addition to calculating the data, the navigation ECU 5 calculates speed data representing the moving speed of the receiving point (ie, the traveling speed of the vehicle) and azimuth data representing the moving azimuth.
To enter.

The sensor section 9 includes a distance sensor 901 for detecting the traveling distance of the vehicle, a speed sensor 902 for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and a relative direction sensor 903 such as a gyro or a left and right wheel sensor for detecting the relative direction of the vehicle. It outputs detection data of the current position of the vehicle by outputting values corresponding to the traveling distance, traveling speed, and traveling direction of the vehicle. The navigation ECU 5, as shown in FIG.
A well-known microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port, and a bus line connecting these components.
In particular, a part of the RAM is a well-known backup R which does not lose data written therein even when the power of the navigation device for a vehicle is turned off.
It is configured as AM.

The navigation ECU 5 has a control function as a judgment time calculation means A1, a skill level judgment means A2, and a switching means A3. Here, the judgment time calculating means A1
Is determined from the display time t1 during which the operation menu is displayed and the subsequent instruction input time t2 by the input means (hereinafter referred to as a determination time).
Tm is calculated (refer to FIG. 3). The proficiency determining means A2 determines the proficiency β according to the operation time tm. The switching means A3 selects an operation menu (menu for beginners, standard users, advanced users (experts)) corresponding to the proficiency β from the proficiency judging means A2, and switches to the menu display of the operation menu. Issue instructions. In particular, the proficiency level determination means A2 calculates a ratio tr between the operation time tm and a reference determination time (hereinafter referred to as a model time) tref calculated from an operation model created in advance, and from the ratio tr,
It has a standard deviation calculating means A4 for calculating a standard deviation Dev using the expression (1) described later, and determines the skill level β based on the standard deviation Dev.

The input unit 4 is attached to the operation panel 3 and includes a switch used by an operator to input various instructions. In particular, the current position switch 13 for displaying the current position on the display 2 together with the map or outputting the voice guidance from the voice output device 7, and the navigation EC
A joystick switch (hereinafter simply referred to as joystick) 14 for scrolling items and inputting an execution instruction during a destination setting process (described later) by U5, and a menu switch 15 for displaying a main menu described later on the display 2 , A button switch 16 for displaying a wide area or detailed display, and other switches. In addition, an auxiliary display unit 17 (see FIGS. 9 to 13) is provided at a position visually recognized as a rectangular screen on the lower edge portion of the screen of the display 2, and the auxiliary display unit 17 is provided for an auxiliary display in a menu described later. used.

The external storage device 11 reads out a CD-ROM disk (not shown) as a storage medium in which various data is stored in advance and reads data stored in the disk. CD-RO for
It is composed of an M drive 18 and the like. Further, the disk of the external storage device 11 stores map data for displaying a map on the display 2, intersection data indicating the position of the intersection, and information on a road connecting one intersection with another intersection. In addition to the stored road data, the node data indicating the position of each point on the road, and the address data indicating the information related to the address of each point, the registered data are stored in advance. Registered point data and the like are stored in which information on points is classified according to a predetermined genre such as "highway", "golf course", and "hot spring".

Such registered point data includes index data for displaying genre names as a menu on the display 2 and searching for genre-registered registered point name data classified for each genre. And a genre-registered location data for displaying the selected registered location name as a menu on the display 2 and searching for map data for map display centering on the registered location.

Here, the index data is such that a data group constituting the minimum unit is a genre name data representing the name of each genre, and a genre-registered point for all registered points classified into the genre. It consists of a starting point of an address on the disk where a data group set of name data is stored, a point data address indicating its storage capacity, and size data. And the data of such a minimum unit
Data groups are collected for all genres to form the entire index data.

On the other hand, in the genre-registered point data, the data group constituting the minimum unit is a specific name of the registered point (for example, "AB intersection" in the genre of "intersection").
Etc.), registered point name reading data indicating the sound of the registered point name so as to list and display the names of such registered points in the order of the Japanese syllabary as described later, and the registration thereof. The east longitude / north latitude data indicating the location of the point, the map display scale data indicating the scale when displaying a map centered on the location, and further detailed information on the registered location are stored in other locations. And registration point number data indicating a registration number to be read out from the data. And
Predetermined attribute data is assigned to each of the minimum unit data groups for each prefecture where the registration point is located.

By collecting a plurality of data groups related to the registered points classified into the same genre among the data groups of the minimum unit, a continuous data group set on the address of the disk is formed. The collection of such data group sets constitutes the entire genre-registered location data. The navigation ECU 5 of the vehicle navigation device shown in FIG. 1 executes a navigation control process in a main routine (not shown), and when a selection switch is turned on as appropriate, an auxiliary control process such as a destination setting process (other than a route setting process). Change / deletion processing, point registration processing, peripheral facility search processing, etc.). Here, the description of the auxiliary control processing other than the destination setting processing related to claims 1, 2, and 3 will be omitted.

First, when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on, the navigation ECU 5 is driven to perform a current position display process in the navigation control, and a map corresponding to the current position and a traveling direction are displayed on the display 2 (FIG. 9).
(Shown as triangles in (a) and the like). Assuming that the driver's proficiency described later is recorded as a beginner at this stage, for example, the current location image shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 9A is displayed. Next, when the menu switch 15 is turned on (time point t0) (see FIG. 3), the navigation ECU 5 enters the auxiliary control processing shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 (step s).
1).

In step s2, after the information search, a main menu for menu selection (see FIG. 9B) is displayed and the selected part is highlighted. In steps s3 and 4, when the current level shifts to the next level, Time tm used to determine
And switch operation count j are cleared, and the display time t1 of the first item (here, destination setting) is stored (set).
Then, if there is a new switch operation of the joystick 14 in step s5 (Yes side), steps s6 to s8, s
Execute Step 4. That is, here, the joystick 14 is operated up and down, and the items of the main menu are switched to other than the destination setting menu, and other items, for example, change / delete a route, register a memory point, and check surrounding facilities. , Etc. are selected.

In this case, the menu determination time point t2 is stored (set), the number of switch operations j is added by one, and the current operation time tm is added to the newly added elapsed time (t2-t1). The display is switched and the item display is switched and moved again, and the second (again) display time t is again set in step s4.
Set 1 Therefore, each time steps s6, 7, 8, and 4 are repeated by the up / down operation of the joystick 14, the operation time tm and the number of switch operations j on the first level are added.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the destination setting menu (the items of the next level are displayed simultaneously) is selected and highlighted from the items of the main menu, and there is no scroll input of the joystick 14. In this state, when the item of the destination setting menu is determined and the joystick 14 is operated (pushed), the process proceeds to steps s9 and s10. Here, the time t2 when the main menu item is determined
Is stored (set), and the number of times of switch operation j is added by one, and the elapsed time (t2−t1) during this period is added to the operation time tm.
Is added and updated. After the destination setting menu is searched, the navigation ECU 5 proceeds to step s1.
At 1, a destination setting menu (items of the next layer is displayed simultaneously), which is a second layer menu, is displayed (see FIG. 9C).

In step 12, the model time tref in the first hierarchy and the operation time tm (= t2-t1) which is the actually measured value
Is calculated (generally 1.0 or more), and data for calculating the proficiency level described later is taken in. Note that the model time tref here is set as a model value of the elapsed time used for the user's selection judgment based on the normal image display in one layer, and is used as the elapsed time of an advanced person (expert) in the operation of the present apparatus. Considering the number of switch operations j for each display switching, tr1 = tm / j / tre
It is calculated as f.

Further, in step s12, after calculating the ratio tr1, the operation time tm and the number of times of switch operation j are cleared, and the process proceeds to step s13, where the first item of the second hierarchical menu highlighted (here, the facility genre Is stored (set), and if there is a new joystick 14 scroll switch operation in step s14 (JSW: Yes side), step s1
5, 16, 17, and 13 are executed. In this processing, similarly to the above-described steps s6 to s8 and s4, the joystick 14 is operated up and down, the menu item to be searched is switched from the facility genre, and another item such as a telephone number is searched. Search by address, search from registered value list,
This is a case where a menu such as searching from a sightseeing route is selected.

Here also, the menu decision time t2 is stored (set), the number of times of switch operation j is added by one, and the elapsed time (t2-t1) during this time is added to the operation time tm to update the item display. The display is switched and the second (re-) display time point t1 in the second hierarchy is set in step s13. Therefore, every time steps s15, 16, 17, and 13 are repeated, the operation time tm in the second hierarchy and the number of switch operations j are added. When the menu switch (return switch) 15 is depressed (MSW: Yes side) when the process reaches step s14, the process returns to step s2 via step s18, and the subsequent processing is repeated again.

This is a case where an erroneous operation has occurred when selecting a menu in the first hierarchy. Data such as the ratio tr is cleared and is not used for proficiency calculation data described later.
That is, selection errors of menu items can occur for both beginners and advanced users (experts), and by eliminating data on such erroneous operations, the accuracy of proficiency level calculation described later is improved. When reaching the step s14, the item to be searched from the facility genre is determined, and when the joystick is executed (pushed) (No side), the steps reach the steps s19 and s20. Here, the menu decision time t2 for searching from the facility genre is stored (set).
Then, the switch operation count j is incremented by one, and the elapsed time (t2−t1) during the operation time tm is added to update.

The navigation ECU 5 executes step s21.
Then, a menu for searching from the facility genre (the items of the next hierarchy are displayed simultaneously), which is a third hierarchy menu, is displayed (see FIG. 10D). In step s22, step s
The data at 12, ie, the ratio tr1 in the first hierarchy is determined and stored, and the operation time tm and the number of switch operations j are cleared. In step 23, the ratio tr2 between the model time and the actually measured value in the second hierarchy is calculated in the same manner as in step s12. Further, the operation time tm in the second hierarchy
And the number of times of switch operation j are cleared, and the display time point t1 of the first item (here, searched from the transportation facility genre) is stored (set) (step s24). Is stored (set), and if there is a new switch operation in step s25 (JSW: Yes side), steps s26, 27, 28, and 24 are executed. This processing is similar to the above-described steps s6 to s8 and s4, that is, there is an up / down scroll operation of the joystick 14, and other items other than searching from the transportation facility genre, such as accommodation, exercise, play, This is a case where a menu such as culture is selected.

In this case, the menu determination time t2 is stored (set), the number of times of switch operation j is added by one, and the elapsed time (t2-t1) during this time is added to the operation time tm to update the item display. Is switched, and at step s24, the second (again) display time t1 on the third hierarchy is set. For this reason, every time steps s26, 27, 28, and 24 are repeated, the operation time tm and the number of switch operations j in the third hierarchy are added. When the menu switch (return switch) 15 is pressed at the time when the process reaches step s25 (MSW: Yes side), the process returns to step s11 via step s29, and the following processing is repeated again. In this case, the data of the ratio tr in the second hierarchy is cleared, and the proficiency calculation accuracy is improved.

At step s25, the item (large genre) of the transportation facility is determined, and when the joystick 14 is operated (pushed) at step s30 (No)
When the process reaches step s31, the menu time t2 of the transportation facility is stored (set), the switch operation count j is incremented by one, and the elapsed time (t2-t1) is added to the operation time tm. Is added and updated. In step s32, the navigation ECU 5 displays the transportation facility menu of the large genre, which is the fourth hierarchical menu, together with the small genre (see FIG. 10E). In step s33, the respective data in steps s12 and s23, that is, the ratios tr1 and tr2 in the first and second hierarchies are determined and stored as data. In step 34, the model time tr in the third hierarchy is determined.
The ratio tr3 between f and the operation time (actually measured value) tm is calculated in the same manner as in steps s12 and s23. Then, the operation time tm and the number of switch operations j on the third level are cleared.

At step 35, the display time t1 of the first item (here, IC, SA, PA (highway guide)) of the small genre of the transportation facility menu is stored (set). At step s36, a new switch operation is performed. And (JSW:
(Yes side), and execute steps s37, 38, 39 and 35. This processing is the same as the above-described steps s6 to s8 and s4, that is, there is an up / down scroll operation of the joystick 14, and other items other than the IC, SA, PA (highway guide: small genre) menu, for example, , Stations, airports,
This is a case where a menu such as a port, a roadside station, or the like is selected. In this case, the menu determination time t2 is stored (set).
Then, the number of times of the switch operation j is added by one, and the elapsed time (t2-t1) during this period is added to the operation time tm to be updated, the item display is switched and moved. The display time t1 is set again.

When the menu switch (return switch) 15 is depressed at step s36 (MSW:
(Yes side), the process returns to step s21 via step s40, and the following processing is repeated again. In this case, the data of the ratio tr in the third hierarchy is cleared, and the proficiency calculation accuracy is improved. When the menu of IC, SA, PA (highway guidance) is determined and the joystick 14 is operated (pushed) (No side), the process proceeds from step s36 to step s.
41 and 42 are reached. In step 42, IC, SA,
The menu setting time point t2 of the PA (expressway guidance) is stored (set), the number of switch operations j is added by one, and the elapsed time (t2−t1) during this period is added to the operation time tm to be updated.

Thereafter, the process reaches step s43, and enters a destination point determination process. Here, the navigation ECU 5
C, SA, PA (highway guide) menu image (image for destination selection work: not shown) is displayed, and the menu of the whole country or any prefecture is scrolled by the joystick 14 from the menu items. Is selected, executed (pushed), and the menu of the registered point names of IC, SA, and PA located in the selected prefecture (or the whole country) is switched and displayed. A registration point of any one of IC, SA, and PA is selected and executed (pushed).

Next, the navigation ECU 5 stores the external storage device 11 based on the point east / north latitude data and the map display scale data in the same data group as the registered point name data representing the selected registered point name. The map data centered on the registered point is displayed on the display 2 by driving the display unit 6 based on the search result. Next, the set switch displayed on the auxiliary display unit 17 of the display 2 is selected by the scroll operation of the joystick 14 and executed (pushed), so that the registration point (any one of the selected IC, SA, and PA) is registered. ) Is set as the destination. The destination data is used for navigation control in the main routine.

When the process reaches step s44 after the destination point is set, each of the ratios tr1, tr2, and tr3, which have been taken in, is stored and processed as data for calculating the proficiency level at this time. That is, along with the operation time tm in the fourth hierarchy, the model time tref
The ratio tr4 between the measured value and the operation time tm, which is the measured value, is calculated and determined in the same manner as in step s12, and is stored. When the menu switch (return switch) 15 is pressed at the time when the process reaches step s45 (Yes side), the process proceeds to step s32.
And the following processing is repeated again. In this case, the data of the ratio tr in the fourth hierarchy is cleared, and the proficiency calculation accuracy is improved.

In this case, four ratio data tri
(Tr1, tr2, tr3, tr4) is obtained, and the process proceeds to the next proficiency level determination routine. Alternatively, when another plurality of ratio data tri is calculated, the next proficiency level determination routine is performed. The control flow may be set as proceeding to. When reaching the step s46 on the No side from the step s45, the program enters a proficiency level determination routine of FIG. In the proficiency level determination routine of FIG. 7, the ratios tr1, tr2, tr taken up to the setting of the destination in step a1.
8, the data of tr4 is read out, and the standard deviation PreDev calculated at the previous control cycle (predetermined value at first, for example, FIG.
Is read, and the previously calculated proficiency level (first time is a beginner and subsequently updated sequentially) is read out.

In step a2, the calculation of the current standard deviation Dev starts. Here, n pieces of ratio data tri (tr
The average ratio trm of 1, tr2, tr3, tr4... Trn is obtained, and trm = (tr1 + tr2 + tr3 + tr4 +... Trn) / n The deviation (tri) of each ratio data tri from the average ratio trm
−trm) is calculated from the equation (1) as the standard deviation Dev as the square root of the average of the square of the square of (−trm). Dev = {× (1 / n)} (tr−trm) ² (1) This time, four ratio data tri (tr1, tr2, tr)
3, tr4), and Dev = √ × (１ ／) × ｛(tr1-trm) ² +
^{(Tr2-trm) 2 + (} tr3-trm) 2 + (tr
4-trm) ² }.

In step a3, the difference DevT (= Dev-PreDe) from the previously obtained standard deviation PreDev.
v), and in step s4, the absolute value of the difference DevT |
It is determined whether DevT | is greater than a preset proficiency level change determination value α (set appropriately according to a variation width due to disturbance), and if it is smaller, it is determined that there is no proficiency level change in step a6.
If the current processing is completed and exceeds, the process proceeds to step a5.

In step a5, a provisional proficiency β0 is calculated from the current standard deviation Dev from a proficiency map as shown in FIG. 8 (using the proficiency β map). In this proficiency level map, a person having a large standard deviation Dev, that is, a person with a large variation in the ratio data tri is a beginner, and a person having a small standard deviation Dev, that is, a small variation in the ratio data tri, and performing a switching operation with a constant rhythm. The setting is appropriately made by regarding the user as an advanced person (expert) familiar with the operation. Here, the standard deviation Dev is 1,
At 0 or more, it is considered that the proficiency β is in the area of the skilled person, and when the standard deviation is 1, 0 <Dev <1, 6, the proficiency β is considered to be in the area of the standard person. It is set so that the proficiency β is considered to be in the beginner's area when Dev is 1, 6 or more. Note that the proficiency map here is an example, and the thresholds and the like on the proficiency map in FIG. 8 may be appropriately increased or decreased.

After setting the temporary proficiency β0, in step a7, it is determined whether or not the current temporary proficiency β0 exceeds the current, that is, the current proficiency β that has been previously set. Here, if the current proficiency β0 exceeds the current proficiency β, it is considered that the proficiency is improved in step a8, and the current proficiency β0 is rewritten as the current proficiency β in step a10, and Step a
In 9 it is determined that the proficiency level is low, the current proficiency level β is maintained as it is, the processing in this control cycle ends, and the process returns to the main routine. When the proficiency level is calculated in the above-mentioned beginner's menu, the menu at each level displays a relatively detailed menu display which does not give a beginner's hesitation in order at a number of levels, and then a destination selection image is displayed. A certain IC, SA, PA
(Expressway guide) menu is displayed, which is easy for beginners to understand and can improve convenience.

Next, when the current skill level β is rewritten and the standardized person is determined, in the current position display process of the navigation ECU 5, the display 2 is displayed on the display 2 in the menu for the standardized person, which is almost the same as that for the beginner. 11A to 11C and the current position display in FIG. 12 are made. In this case, menu switch 1
When the navigation ECU 5 is turned on, the navigation ECU 5 performs destination point determination processing and proficiency level determination processing that are partially different from those when the beginner's menu is used.
(A) to (c), the differences between the menus at each level displayed along FIG. 12 will be mainly described.

Here, menus for destination setting, route change / deletion, point registration, and peripheral facility search (menus for beginners (FIG. 9)
(See (b)), the description of the menu is simplified) is displayed on the first level. At this time, for example, when the destination setting menu is selected and the joystick 14 is operated (pushed), the corresponding item is switched to a highlighted display. Moreover, menus such as 50-sound input, facility genre, telephone number, etc., which are the items of the second hierarchy (the number of menus is larger than the menu for beginners (see FIG. 9B)) are in the first hierarchy. Displayed at the same time.

Note that the processing in the case of switching to a menu other than the destination setting menu is performed in the same manner as in the case of the beginner's menu. Further, the ratio tr between the model time and the actually measured value in the first hierarchy is calculated in the same manner as that obtained in the beginner's menu, and data for calculating the proficiency level is taken in.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the selected destination setting menu is displayed on the second level, on which a facility genre is selected, for example, and the joystick 1 is selected.
When the operation 4 is performed (pushed), the item is switched to the highlight display. At that time, golf courses, ski slopes, tennis courts, skating rinks, etc.
And the like (the number of menus is larger than the menu for beginners (see FIG. 9C)) are simultaneously displayed on the second level. It should be noted that the switching process when switching to a menu other than the facility genre menu is performed in the same manner as in the case of the beginner menu. Further, the ratio tr between the model time and the actually measured value in the second hierarchy is calculated in the same manner as in the case where the ratio is obtained from the beginner's menu, and data for calculating the proficiency level is taken in.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that a facility genre menu is displayed on the third level, for example, a large genre (traffic, accommodation, exercise, play, etc.) is displayed. Here, for example, when the traffic menu is selected and the joystick 14 is operated (pushed), the same item is displayed at a position separately separated from other items, and at the same time, a small genre in the traffic, which is the item of the third hierarchy, is displayed. ｛IC, SA,
The menus for PA (highway guide), stations, airports / ports, and roadside stations are simultaneously displayed. Note that the processing when the menu is switched to a mode other than the traffic menu is the same as the processing for the beginner menu. Further, the ratio tr between the model time and the actually measured value in the third hierarchy is calculated in the same manner as in the case of using the beginner's menu, and data for calculating the proficiency level is taken in.

Next, at the third level of the facility genre, the small genres $ IC, SA, PA (highway guide), station, airport,
A menu for the port and roadside station｝ is additionally displayed. Here, for example, an IC, SA, PA (highway guide) menu is selected, the item is switched to a highlight display, and the joystick 14 is executed (pushed). It is assumed that it is operated. In this case, the destination selection processing, the destination determination processing, and the proficiency level determination processing are performed in the same manner as in the case of the beginner menu (see FIG. 10E) from the IC, SA, and PA (highway guide) menus. Are sequentially executed, and the level of proficiency in the standard menu is required.

In the calculation of the proficiency level in the menu for standard users, the calculation of the proficiency level in the menu for beginners is more difficult than in the case of calculating the proficiency level in the menu for beginners.
IC, S which is the destination selection image in the mode with one less layer
A, PA (highway guide) menu is displayed, so that it is possible to reduce the burden of operation for the standard person by one layer and improve the convenience. Next, it is assumed that the proficiency level is rewritten to the advanced level in this standard menu. In this case, in the current position display process of the navigation ECU 5, the display 2 displays a map corresponding to the current position and a driving direction display in a menu for a beginner and an advanced user almost similar to those for a standard person, for example, the current position display in FIG. Done. Here, the menu switch 15 is turned on, and the navigation ECU 5 performs a destination point setting process and a proficiency level determination process that are partially different from those when the standard menu is used. However, a duplicate description is omitted here, and FIG. (B), (c)
The differences between the menus at each level displayed along are mainly described.

First, the main menu items,
Menus such as destination setting, route change / deletion, point registration, peripheral facility search, i-mode connection / setting, etc., which are items (candidates) of hierarchical display (standard user menu (see FIG. 11B))
, The number of menus is increased, and scroll guidance is eliminated) is displayed on the first level. Here, for example, the destination setting menu (the item of the second hierarchy display) is selected,
It is assumed that the item is switched to the highlight display. In this case, in the auxiliary display unit 17 at the lower edge of the image, the menu of the registered place, the previous destination, the home, the telephone number, the golf course, the hot spring, etc., which are the items (candidates) of the third hierarchy according to the destination setting menu. Is displayed. In the first hierarchy display, in addition to the menu for the beginner (see FIG. 9B), a menu of the third hierarchy (a plurality of frequently used menus) is displayed simultaneously in addition to the second hierarchy.

The processing in the case of switching to a menu other than the destination setting menu is performed in the same manner as in the case of the beginner menu. Also in this case, the third-level item (candidate) corresponding to the second-level display item is displayed in the auxiliary display column at the lower edge of the image.
Is displayed. Further, the ratio tr between the model time and the actually measured value in the first hierarchy is calculated in the same manner as that obtained in the beginner's menu, and data for calculating the proficiency level is taken in.
Next, as shown in FIG. 13C, a destination setting menu is displayed on the second level, for example, a facility genre is selected, the item is switched to a highlight display, and the joystick 14 is executed (pushed). When operated, menus such as golf courses, ski resorts, etc., which are the items of the third hierarchy, are displayed simultaneously in the second hierarchy image. In addition, the auxiliary display section 17 at the lower edge of the screen displays the items (candidates) of the fourth hierarchy of the facility genre menu, such as IC, SA, PA (highway guide), station, hotel, and museum, according to the frequency of use. Displayed at the same time.

Next, the IC, SA, PA (highway guide) menu of the auxiliary display unit 17 is selected on the second hierarchy of the facility genre menu display, the item is switched to highlight display, and the joystick 14 is executed. (Push) operation is assumed. After this, a menu for beginners (FIG. 10 (e)
In the same way as in the case obtained in (1), the destination selection processing, the destination determination processing, and the proficiency judgment processing are sequentially executed in the same manner from IC, SA, PA (expressway guidance), and the proficiency in the menu for advanced users Is required. In the calculation of the proficiency level in the advanced menu, the destination selection images IC, SA, PA (expressway) are used in a mode one or two layers less than in the case of the proficiency level calculation in the standard or beginner menu. The menu of (guidance) is displayed, and thus, since the number of menu display levels is small, it is possible to reduce the complexity of operation for advanced users and improve the convenience.

As described above, in the navigation device for a vehicle shown in FIG. 1, the operation time (judgment time) tm, which is an actually measured value, and the model time tref calculated from an operation model created in advance.
The standard deviation Dev is obtained from the ratio tr of the proficiency, and the proficiency β is set using the standard deviation Dev as an index, and the menu is automatically set in correspondence with the proficiency β, for example, for beginners, standard users, and advanced users (FIGS. 9 to 9). 13), or
By presenting menu switching advice (displaying a beginner, a standard user, and an advanced user as images) to the user, it is possible to achieve both improvement in intelligibility and reduction in troublesomeness. In particular, the operation time includes not only proficiency but also many factors such as individual differences and intra-individual fluctuations.
Since the proficiency β is determined by ev, the proficiency can be reliably obtained in consideration of factors such as individual differences and intra-individual fluctuations. Furthermore, a vehicle navigation system incorporating such an operation menu switching device originally has a small number of switches due to restrictions on the vehicle and a small screen of a display device, and also employs a hierarchical menu structure because of its complicated operation. ing.

In consideration of this point, when switching the hierarchical menu of the vehicle-mounted navigation device, the operation time which is the judgment time for the user to switch the image is obtained, and the operation time or the standard deviation Dev related to the operation time is obtained. The user's proficiency β can be determined by one number, and an operation menu suitable for beginners / advanced persons (experts) can be selected according to the proficiency β, and the menu corresponding to the proficiency β is automatically displayed. It is possible to provide a navigation device for a vehicle, which can provide switching and menu switching advice to a user and can improve convenience.

Although the in-vehicle navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 determines the user's proficiency β based on the standard deviation Dev, in order to simplify the control, the deviation between the model time trf and the operation time tm which is the actual measurement time is simply used. The user's proficiency may be measured according to the magnitude of the average value, a beginner / advanced person (expert) may be determined, and an appropriate operation menu may be selected.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention, the proficiency level is determined from the user's judgment time (for example, operation time) required for transition from one hierarchical menu to the next hierarchical menu, and the proficiency level is determined. By switching to the operation menu, the proficiency level is determined by a single number, the judgment time, and the menu can be automatically switched to the menu corresponding to the proficiency level, and menu switching advice can be presented to the user, making it easy to understand. And the annoyance can be reduced, and the convenience can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a standard deviation of a ratio between a judgment time (for example, an operation time) and a reference judgment time calculated from an operation model created in advance is determined, and the proficiency is set using the standard deviation as an index. By automatically switching the menus in accordance with the conditions and presenting the user with the advice of switching the menus, it is possible to achieve both improved clarity and reduced annoyance. Not only that, there are many factors such as individual differences and intra-individual fluctuations. However, since the proficiency level is determined based on the standard deviation, the proficiency level can be obtained in consideration of these factors.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the operation menu switching device according to the first or second aspect is incorporated in a vehicle navigation device, so that the number of switches is small and the screen of the display device is small due to restrictions on the vehicle. In addition, when switching the operation menu of an in-vehicle navigation system that employs a hierarchical menu structure because of the complicated operation, the user's proficiency is determined by a single number, a determination time (for example, operation time), and the user's proficiency is determined according to the proficiency. An operation menu suitable for each of beginners / experts can be selected, a menu corresponding to the proficiency can be automatically switched, and menu switching advice can be presented to the user, thereby improving convenience. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an operation menu switching device as one embodiment of the present invention and a vehicular navigation device equipped with the device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a main part of an inner panel of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle navigation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a user switching operation in the operation menu switching device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an upper flowchart of an auxiliary control processing routine performed by a navigation ECU used in the vehicle navigation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a middle flowchart of an auxiliary control processing routine performed by a navigation ECU used in the vehicle navigation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a lower flowchart of an auxiliary control processing routine performed by a navigation ECU used in the vehicle navigation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a proficiency level determination routine performed by a navigation ECU of the vehicle navigation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram of a proficiency level calculation map used by the navigation ECU of the vehicle navigation device of FIG. 1;

9A and 9B are images in each menu displayed on the display of the vehicle navigation device in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 9A is a current location image in a beginner's menu, FIG. 9B is a main menu image, and FIG. 5 shows an image on the second layer.

10 is an image in each menu displayed on the display of the navigation device for a vehicle in FIG. 1, (d)
Shows an image on the third layer, and (e) shows an image on the fourth layer.

11A and 11B are images in each menu displayed on the display of the navigation device for a vehicle in FIG. 1;
Shows the current location image in the menu for standard users, (b) shows the image of the main menu, and (c) shows the image on the second hierarchy.

FIG. 12 shows an image on a third level in a menu for a standard person in each menu displayed on the display of the navigation device for a vehicle in FIG. 1;

13A and 13B are images in each menu displayed on the display of the navigation device for a vehicle in FIG. 1, and FIG.
Shows the current location image in the menu for advanced users, (b) shows the screen of the main menu, and (c) shows the image in the second hierarchy.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Instrument panel 2 Display (display means) 4 Input part (input means) 5 Navigation ECU 6 Display part 7 Audio output device 8 GPS receiver 9 Sensor part 11 External storage device (storage means) t1 Display time t2 Instruction input time tm Operation time (judgment time) tr ratio β proficiency

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued from the front page (72) Inventor Yoji Ito 5-33-8 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo F-term in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (reference) 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AC03 AC14 AC18 5E501 AA23 AC37 BA13 CA04 CB04 EA02 EB05 FA05 FA14 FA22 FA42 FB28 FB34 FB44

Claims (3)

[Claims] A display unit for selectively displaying a plurality of operation menus; a storage unit for storing a plurality of data of a hierarchical correspondence between the plurality of operation menus and a plurality of operation menus in accordance with a skill level; An input unit for inputting an operation instruction to a menu displayed on the display unit; a determination time calculation unit for calculating a determination time based on a display time during which the operation menu is displayed and a subsequent instruction input time by the input unit; Proficiency determining means for determining a proficiency level according to the determination time, and switching means for selecting an operation menu corresponding to the proficiency level from the proficiency level determining means and instructing switching to a menu display in the operation menu. An operation menu switching device, comprising: 2. The operation menu switching device according to claim 1, wherein the proficiency level determination means calculates a ratio between the determination time and a reference determination time calculated from an operation model created in advance, and calculates a standard deviation from the ratio. An operation menu switching device, comprising a standard deviation calculating means for determining a proficiency based on the standard deviation. 3. A vehicular navigation device which reads driving guidance data stored in a storage device based on input vehicle position information and vehicle status information and displays a driving guidance image on a display means. Claim 1
Or a navigation device for a vehicle, wherein the operation menu switching device according to item 2 is incorporated.