JP2004295287A - Menu display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display the functions of a device such as a navigation device or processing contents to be executed by the device on a screen as a menu in a state that selection items are classified according to the hierarchized classification structure, and that they can be sensuously grasped in order to easily find out the necessary selection items. <P>SOLUTION: This menu display device is provided with a display means for displaying selection items for selecting the functions of a computer or processing to be executed by the computer in a state that those selection items are clustered according to the classification items of each hierarchy in a hierarchized classification structure and a selecting means for selecting the selection items or the clusters. Then, the display means is configured, when the cluster is selected, to further enlarge the clusters in the lower rank hierarchy and to perform display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

前記式（１）は三次元空間上の点Ｐ（ｘ、ｙ、ｚ）を点Ｐ’（ｘ’、ｙ’、ｚ’）に移動させるためのものである。なお、係数ａ〜ｉは、次の式（２）に示される条件を満たすものである。
【００６２】
【数２】

そして、前記式（１）を計算して一次方程式にすると次の式（３）に示されるようになる。
【００６３】
【数３】

点Ｐに対してどのような処理を行うかは、係数ａ〜ｉ及びｔ_ｘ 〜ｔ_ｚ の値によって決められる。
【００６４】
なお、図形に対して三次元アフィン変換を行う場合には、該当する図形を形成するすべての点に対して三次元アフィン変換を行うようになっている。三次元アフィン変換を行うことによって、図４に示されるような三次元の図形の「平行移動」、「回転移動」、「拡大及び縮小」等を行うことができる。
【００６５】
なお、図形の動きを滑らかに表示する場合には、三次元アフィン変換を繰り返して多数回行うようにする。例えば、図４に示されるような第１の全選択項目クラスタ５１ａを９０度回転させる場合、一度に９０度回転させるよりも、３０度ずつ回転させるように、三回に分けて三次元アフィン変換を繰り返して行うほうがより滑らかに表示することができ、１０度ずつ回転させるように、九回に分けて三次元アフィン変換を繰り返して行うほうがさらに滑らかに表示することができる。
【００６６】
続いて、第２の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ｂが第１の全選択項目クラスタ５１ａ内における下方の位置にまで移動すると、図５に示されるように、第２の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ｂが拡大して表示される。ここで、該第２の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ｂは、前記選択項目が第２の階層で分類分けされた第２の階層の分類項目としての、第１の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ａ、第２の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｂ、第３の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｃ及び第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄから成る。そして、前記第１の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ａは登録に属する選択項目スイッチ５２の集合、第２の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｂは地図配置に属する選択項目スイッチ５２の集合、第３の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｃは検索に属する選択項目スイッチ５２の集合、及び、第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄは目的地設定に属する選択項目スイッチ５２の集合である。本実施の形態においては、第２の階層の分類項目である登録、地図配置、検索及び目的地設定を示す名称が、第１〜第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ａ〜５８ｄ上にそれぞれ表示されるので、操作者は、第１〜第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ａ〜５８ｄが対応する第２の階層の分類項目を容易に感覚的に把握することができる。また、前記第２の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ｂ上には、図１に示されるメニュー表示画面１１と同様に、選択方向矢印５７が表示される。なお、第１〜第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ａ〜５８ｄを含むすべての第２階層サブクラスタを統合的に説明する場合には、第２階層サブクラスタ５８として説明する。
【００６７】
図において、５３ａ’及び５３ｃ’は、それぞれ、第１の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ａ及び第３の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ｃを示しており、点線、細い線、色の薄い線等によって表示されるが、省略することもできる。なお、図５は第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄが選択された状態を示しており、選択された部分である第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄは、選択されていない部分である第１の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ａ、第２の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｂ及び第３の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｃよりも浮き上がって表示されている。
【００６８】
続いて、第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄの選択が確定されると、図６に示されるように、第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄが拡大して表示される。なお、第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄの選択が確定されると、第１の全選択項目クラスタ５１ａ全体又は第２の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ｂが回転して、前記第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄが前記第１の全選択項目クラスタ５１ａ又は第２の第１階層サブクラスタ５３ｂ内における下方の位置にまで移動するようにしてもよい。
【００６９】
図６に示される例において、前記第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄは、前記選択項目が第３の階層で分類分けされた第３の階層の階層の分類項目としての第１の選択項目スイッチ５２ａ、第２の選択項目スイッチ５２ｂ、第３の選択項目スイッチ５２ｃ及び第４の選択項目スイッチ５２ｄを含んでいる。そして、前記第１の選択項目スイッチ５２ａはプロファイル、第２の選択項目スイッチ５２ｂはメモリ地点、第３の選択項目スイッチ５２ｃは緊急、及び、第４の選択項目スイッチ５２ｄは過去の目的地である。本実施の形態においては、第３の階層で分類分けされた選択項目スイッチ５２であるプロファイル、メモリ地点、緊急及び過去の目的地を示す名称が、第１〜第４の選択項目スイッチ５２ａ〜５２ｄ上にそれぞれ表示されるので、操作者は、第１〜第４の選択項目スイッチ５２ａ〜５２ｄに対応する項目名を容易に感覚的に把握することができる。
【００７０】
ところで、本実施の形態において、第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄは、五以上の選択項目を含んでいるので、第１層５８ｄ−１と第２層５８ｄ−２とから構成されている。すなわち、表示手段は、一つの階層の分類項目の数が前記選択手段の選択可能な数より多い場合、前記分類項目を積層状態で表示する。具体的には、前記第２階層サブクラスタ５８は、そこに含まれる選択項目数が、方向選択手段の上下左右の四方向への操作によって選択可能な数としての四以下となるように形成される。そのため、一つの第２階層サブクラスタ５８に含まれる選択項目スイッチ５２の総数が四以下であれば、該当する第２階層サブクラスタ５８の層の数は単数となり、一つの第２階層サブクラスタ５８に含まれる選択項目スイッチ５２の総数が五以上であれば、該当する第２階層サブクラスタ５８の層の数は本実施の形態のように複数となる。なお、第２階層サブクラスタ５８の層の数は三つ以上であってもよい。
【００７１】
図６に示されるように、第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄは、第２層５８ｄ−２が第１層５８ｄ−１の下層となるような積層構造を有するように表示される。これにより、操作者は、第２層５８ｄ−２の存在を容易に把握することができる。この場合、前記第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄ上には、選択方向矢印５７の他に、下層を選択するための下層選択矢印５７ａが表示されるので、これによっても、操作者は、第２層５８ｄ−２の存在を容易に把握することができる。なお、前記下層選択矢印５７ａは、方向選択手段を二回又は長時間操作することによって選択される。例えば、前記方向選択手段がジョイスティックである場合、該ジョイスティックを下方向へ二回傾斜させることによって、又は、下方向へ傾斜させた状態を維持することによって前記下層選択矢印５７ａを選択することができる。
【００７２】
そして、操作者が方向選択手段を操作して前記下層選択矢印５７ａを選択すると、第１層５８ｄ−１と第２層５８ｄ−２との位置が入れ替わり下層である第２層５８ｄ−２が最上層として表示される。この場合、まず、図７に示されるように、第１層５８ｄ−１がメニュー表示画面１１の下方に移動して、第２層５８ｄ−２が出現する。続いて、図８に示されるように、第１層５８ｄ−１が第２層５８ｄ−２の下に入り込んで、メニュー表示画面１１の上方に移動する。最後に、図９に示されるように、第１層５８ｄ−１が第２層５８ｄ−２の下に隠れた状態となる。
【００７３】
図９に示される状態においては、第４の第２階層サブクラスタ５８ｄの第２層５８ｄ−２が拡大して表示される。該第２層５８ｄ−２は、第３の階層で分類分けされた第５の選択項目スイッチ５２ｅ、第６の選択項目スイッチ５２ｆ、第７の選択項目スイッチ５２ｇ及び第８の選択項目スイッチ５２ｈを含んでいる。そして、前記第５の選択項目スイッチ５２ｅは初期メニューに戻るためのトップ、第６の選択項目スイッチ５２ｆは住所、第７の選択項目スイッチ５２ｇは前進、エンター又は終了、及び、第８の選択項目スイッチ５２ｈは電話番号である。本実施の形態においては、第３の階層で分類分けされた選択項目スイッチ５２であるトップ、住所、前進、エンター又は終了、及び、電話番号を示す名称が、第５〜第８の選択項目スイッチ５２ｅ〜５２ｈ上にそれぞれ表示されるので、操作者は、第５〜第８の選択項目スイッチ５２ｅ〜５２ｈに対応する項目名を容易に感覚的に把握することができる。また、図６に示される場合と同様に、選択方向矢印５７及び下層選択矢印５７ａも表示される。なお、図９は第６の選択項目スイッチ５２ｆである住所が選択された状態を示しており、選択された部分である第６の選択項目スイッチ５２ｆは、選択されていない部分である第５の選択項目スイッチ５２ｅ、第７の選択項目スイッチ５２ｇ及び第８の選択項目スイッチ５２ｈよりも浮き上がって表示されている。
【００７４】
続いて、第６の選択項目スイッチ５２ｆの選択が確定されると、図１０に示されるように、住所を入力するための住所入力画面１２が表示される。該住所入力画面１２は、住所表示部６１及び住所入力部６２から構成される。そして、前記住所表示部６１には、番地、街区番号等を表示するための番地表示欄６１ａ、町名を表示するための町名表示欄６１ｂ及び都市名を表示するための都市名表示欄６１ｃが含まれる。さらに、番地、街区番号、町名、都市名等をリスト表示させるためのリスト表示指定手段６１ｄが含まれている。この場合、操作者が入力部３４の方向選択手段を操作してリスト表示指定手段６１ｄを選択すると、番地、街区番号、町名、都市名等が番地表示欄６１ａ、町名表示欄６１ｂ及び都市名表示欄６１ｃにリスト表示される。そして、操作者が入力部３４の方向選択手段を操作して、リスト表示された中から所定の番地、街区番号、町名、都市名等を選択すると選択された番地、街区番号、町名、都市名等が番地表示欄６１ａ、町名表示欄６１ｂ及び都市名表示欄６１ｃに表示される。
【００７５】
また、前記住所入力部６２には、複数の記号選択項目６２ａ、文字選択手段６２ｂ及び数字選択手段６２ｃが含まれる。ここで、記号は、文字、数字、四則演算記号等の通常のキーボード等に含まれる記号である。そして、操作者が入力部３４の方向選択手段を操作して、文字選択手段６２ｂを選択すると、図１０に示されるように、文字を選択するための記号選択項目６２ａが表示され、数字選択手段６２ｃを選択すると、図示されない、数字を選択するための記号選択項目６２ａが表示されるようになっている。なお、図１０は文字「Ｃ」に対応する記号選択項目６２ａが選択された状態を示しており、選択された部分である文字「Ｃ」に対応する記号選択項目６２ａは、選択されていない部分である他の文字に対応する記号選択項目６２ａよりも浮き上がって表示されている。
【００７６】
そして、記号選択項目６２ａを選択することによって、所定の記号が選択されると、選択された記号が番地表示欄６１ａ、町名表示欄６１ｂ及び都市名表示欄６１ｃに表示される。これにより、所定の住所が入力されると、該住所が目的地として設定される。すると、車載装置１４は車両の現在位置から設定された目的地までの経路を探索する。なお、経路を探索する方法は、通常のナビゲーション装置と同様なので、その説明を省略する。
【００７７】
このように、本実施の形態においては、車載装置１４は多数の機能を有するものであり、該機能のそれぞれを選択したり、前記車載装置１４に実行させる処理を選択するための選択項目が、あらかじめ複数の階層に階層化された分類構造に従って分類分けされ、分類分けされた状態で表示されるようになっている。そして、各階層において、該当する階層を構成する分類項目が、容易に把握することができるように表示される。
【００７８】
この場合、下位の階層になるに従って前記選択項目が拡大されて表示されるようになっている。これにより、該当する階層を構成する分類項目のすべてが十分に大きく、かつ、表示部３５の画面内に表示され、より下位の階層を構成する分類項目は小さく表示され、また、より上位の階層を構成する分類項目は少なくとも一部が表示部３５の画面内に表示されない程度に大きく表示される。また、該当する階層を構成する分類項目には対応する名称が表示されるので、該当する階層を構成する分類項目を容易に把握することができる。
【００７９】
さらに、該当する階層を構成する分類項目は、上下左右の四方向のいずれかを選択することによって選択することができるように配置された状態で表示される。これにより、操作者は、ジョイスティック等の方向選択手段を操作することによって、所望の分類項目を容易に選択することができる。なお、該当する階層を構成する分類項目の数が多い場合にも、該分類項目を表示するための画面を複数用意して、順次表示するようになっているので、所望の分類項目を容易に選択することができる。
【００８０】
次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について説明する。なお、前記第１の実施の形態と同じ構成を有するものについては、同じ符号を付与することによって、その説明を省略する。また、前記第１の実施の形態と同じ動作及び同じ効果についても、その説明を省略する。
【００８１】
図１１は本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第１の図、図１２は本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第２の図、図１３は本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第３の図、図１４は本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第４の図、図１５は本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第５の図、図１６は本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第６の図、図１７は本発明の第２の実施の形態における住所を入力する画面の例を示す図である。
【００８２】
まず、操作者が車載装置１４の電源をオンにすると、図１１に示されるような初期メニューを示すメニュー表示画面１７が表示部３５の画面に表示される。本実施の形態においても、前記第１の実施の形態と同様に、車載装置１４の機能のそれぞれを選択したり、前記車載装置１４に実行させる処理を選択するための選択項目はあらかじめ複数の階層に階層化された分類構造に従って分類分けされており、分類分けされた状態で表示されるようになっている。なお、本実施の形態において、表示手段は、コンピュータの備える機能又は前記コンピュータの実行する処理を選択する選択項目を、階層化された分類構造における各階層の分類項目に分類分けされた状態で、各階層の分類項目間の接続を示すツリーとともに表示するものであり、さらに、選択すべき階層の分類項目とより上位の階層の選択が確定した分類項目とを同時に表示し、前記選択すべき階層の分類項目が選択されると、選択された分類項目を前記より上位の階層の選択が確定した分類項目と同様の位置に表示し、前記選択すべき階層の分類項目の選択が確定すると、より下位の階層の分類項目であって前記選択が確定した分類項目に属する分類項目、及び、より上位の階層の選択が確定した分類項目であって前記選択が確定した分類項目を含む分類項目を同時に表示する。また、選択手段は、選択項目又は分類項目を選択する。
【００８３】
ここで、図１１に示されるメニュー表示画面１７には、初期メニューとして、前記選択項目が第１の階層で分類分けされた第１の階層の分類項目としての、第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａ、第２の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ｂ、第３の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ｃ、第４の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ｄ及び第５の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ｅが表示されている。なお、本実施の形態においては、第１の階層の分類項目の内容を示すマークが、第１〜第５の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａ〜７１ｅ中にそれぞれ表示されるので、操作者は、第１〜第５の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａ〜７１ｅが対応する第１の階層の分類項目を容易に感覚的に把握することができる。また、前記第１〜第５の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａ〜７１ｅを統合的に説明する場合には、第１階層サブクラスタ７１として説明する。
【００８４】
そして、本実施の形態において、メニュー表示画面１７に表示された分類項目は、いずれか一つが選択された状態で表示されるようになっている。図１１に示されるメニュー表示画面１７においては、一番上方に表示された第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａが選択された状態で表示されている。また、選択された第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａは、他の第２〜第５の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ｂ〜７１ｅと相違する表示態様で表示されるものであるが、ここでは、濃い色で表示されるものとして説明する。そして、選択が確定されると更に表示態様が変化するものであるが、ここでは、より濃い色で表示されるものとして説明する。
【００８５】
なお、この状態においても、前記第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａが選択されただけであって、選択が確定された状態ではない。そのため、操作者は入力部３４の方向選択手段を操作して他の第１階層サブクラスタ７１を選択することもできる。なお、第１階層サブクラスタ７１を選択する方法及び選択を確定する方法は、前記第１の実施の形態と同様である。
【００８６】
また、メニュー表示画面１７には選択された分類項目の名称を表示するための選択項目名表示欄１８が含まれている。該選択項目名表示欄１８には、選択された分類項目としての第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａであるナビゲーションを示す名称が表示されている。これにより、操作者は選択された分類項目を正確に把握することができる。
【００８７】
続いて、前記第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａの選択が確定されると、図１２に示されるように、より下位の階層である第２の階層の分類項目としての、第１の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ａ、第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂ、第３の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｃ及び第４の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｄが表示される。なお、前記第１〜第４の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ａ〜７３ｄを統合的に説明する場合には、第２階層サブクラスタ７３として説明する。
【００８８】
そして、該第２階層サブクラスタ７３も、メニュー表示画面１７に表示された際にはいずれか一つが選択された状態を示す濃い色で表示されるようになっている。図１２に示されるメニュー表示画面１７においては、第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂが選択された状態で表示されている。そして、選択項目名表示欄１８には、前記第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａの名称に続いて、選択された分類項目としての第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂである目的地設定を示す名称が表示されている。
【００８９】
また、前記第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａから第２階層サブクラスタ７３へ接続されるツリーとしての第１及び第２階層間ツリー７２が表示される。本実施の形態におけるツリーは階層間の接続情報として機能するものであり、操作者は、前記第１及び第２階層間ツリー７２によって、第１〜第４の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ａ〜７３ｄが第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａに含まれる下位の分類項目であることを容易に感覚的に把握することができる。
【００９０】
この場合、メニュー表示画面１７において、左方により上位の階層の分類項目が表示され、上位の階層から下位の階層に進むに従ってメニュー表示画面１７における右方向へ移動するように表示される。そして、メニュー表示画面１７に表示されている分類項目の中で最も下位の階層の分類項目が、画面の横方向における中心付近に表示されるようになっている。また、選択が確定された分類項目は画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示される。さらに、図１２において、最も下位の階層の分類項目中の選択された項目である第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂが、選択が確定されていなくても画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示されている。そのため、操作者は、選択をすべき階層の分類項目を容易に把握することができ、また、選択が確定された分類項目も容易に把握することができる。なお、選択が確定されるまでは、選択された分類項目を画面の上下方向における中心付近にまで移動させないようにしてもよい。
【００９１】
続いて、前記第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂの選択が確定されると、図１３に示されるように、より下位の階層である第３の階層の分類項目としての、第１の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａ、第２の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｂ、第３の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｃ等が表示される。なお、前記第１〜第３の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａ〜７５ｃ等を統合的に説明する場合には、第３階層サブクラスタ７５として説明する。この場合、メニュー表示画面１７に表示されている分類項目の中で最も下位の階層の分類項目である第３階層サブクラスタ７５が、画面の横方向における中心付近に表示されている。
【００９２】
また、前記第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂの選択が確定されると、第１及び第２階層間ツリー７２が濃い色で表示されるようになっている。これにより、操作者は、前記第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂの選択が確定されたことを容易に感覚的に把握することができる。なお、選択が確定された第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂが画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示されているので、第１及び第２階層間ツリー７２における選択が確定された第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａと第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂとを結ぶ枝も画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示される。そのため、操作者は、選択が確定された分類項目を容易に把握することができる。
【００９３】
そして、前記第３階層サブクラスタ７５も、メニュー表示画面１７に表示された際にはいずれか一つが選択された状態で表示されるようになっている。図１３に示されるメニュー表示画面１７においては、第１の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａが選択された状態で表示されている。そして、選択項目名表示欄１８には、前記第１の第１階層サブクラスタ７１ａ及び第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂの名称に続いて、選択された分類項目としての第１の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａであるインターセクションを示す名称が表示されている。
【００９４】
また、前記第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂから第３階層サブクラスタ７５へ接続されるツリーとしての第２及び第３階層間ツリー７４が表示される。これにより、操作者は、第１〜第３の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａ〜７５ｃ等が第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂに含まれる下位の分類項目であることを容易に感覚的に把握することができる。
【００９５】
なお、前記第１の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａの選択が確定されていなくても画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示される。また、本実施の形態においては、同一の階層の分類項目が数が多い場合、一部の分類項目がメニュー表示画面１７内に表示されなくなる。図１３に示されるメニュー表示画面１７においては、第１〜第３の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａ〜７５ｃは、メニュー表示画面１７内に表示されているが、それ以外の項目は表示されていない。
【００９６】
しかし、最も下位の階層の分類項目中の選択された項目は、選択が確定されていなくても画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示されるようになっているので、第１の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａよりも下方に位置する項目を選択することによって、順次すべての項目が表示される。例えば、操作者が入力部３４の方向選択手段を操作して、第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆを選択すると、図１４に示されるように、第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆが画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示されるので、図１３に示されるメニュー表示画面１７において該メニュー表示画面１７内に表示されていなかった項目としての第４〜第７の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｄ〜７５ｇがメニュー表示画面１７内に表示される。また、選択項目名表示欄１８には、第１の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ａであるインターセクションを示す名称に代えて、第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆである住所を示す名称が表示される。
【００９７】
なお、図１４に示されるメニュー表示画面１７において、第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆは、濃い色で表示され、選択が確定された状態となっている。そのため、第２及び第３階層間ツリー７４における第２の第２階層サブクラスタ７３ｂと第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆとを結ぶ枝は、濃い色で表示され、かつ、画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示される。
【００９８】
そして、前記第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆは選択が確定されると、図１５に示されるように、より下位の階層である第４の階層の分類項目としての、第１の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ａ、第２の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｂ及び第３の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｃが表示される。なお、前記第１〜第３の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ａ〜７７ｃを統合的に説明する場合には、第４階層サブクラスタ７７として説明する。この場合、メニュー表示画面１７に表示されている分類項目の中で最も下位の階層の分類項目である第４階層サブクラスタ７７が、画面の横方向における中心付近に表示されている。そのため、より上位の階層の分類項目が画面の左方向に移動し、第１階層サブクラスタ７１が表示されない。
【００９９】
また、前記第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆから第４階層サブクラスタ７７へ接続されるツリーとしての第３及び第４階層間ツリー７６が表示される。これにより、操作者は、第１〜第３の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ａ〜７７ｃが第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆに含まれる下位の分類項目であることを容易に感覚的に把握することができる。
【０１００】
なお、前記第１の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ａの選択が確定されていなくても画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示される。また、前記第１〜第３の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ａ〜７７ｃには、それぞれ、町名入力、番地入力及び郵便番号入力に対応する名称が示されているので、選択項目名表示欄１８には第４階層サブクラスタ７７を示す名称が表示されないようになっている。
【０１０１】
続いて、前記第２の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｂが選択され、選択が確定されると、図１６に示されるように、前記第２の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｂは濃い色で表示され、かつ、画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示される。また、第３及び第４階層間ツリー７６における第６の第３階層サブクラスタ７５ｆと第２の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｂとを結ぶ枝も、濃い色で表示され、かつ、画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示される。
【０１０２】
続いて、図１７に示されるように、第２の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｂが画面の上方向に移動し、前記第２の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｂの下方に表示欄８２、文字入力部８３及び数字入力部８４が表示される。なお、図１７は文字「Ａ」に対応する文字選択項目８３ａが選択された状態を示しており、選択された部分である文字「Ａ」に対応する文字選択項目８３ａは、選択されていない部分である他の文字に対応する文字選択項目８３ａよりも濃い色で表示されている。そして、文字選択項目８３ａ及び数字選択項目８４ａを選択することによって、文字や数字が選択されて、表示欄８２に表示される。なお、画面の右方には、番地等をリスト表示させるためのリスト表示指定手段８１が表示される。この場合、操作者が入力部３４の方向選択手段を操作してリスト表示指定手段８１を選択すると、番地、街区番号等が表示欄８２にリスト表示される。そして、操作者が入力部３４の方向選択手段を操作して、リスト表示された中から所定の番地、街区番号等を選択すると選択された番地、街区番号等が表示欄８２に表示される。このようにして、住所に含まれる番地、街区番号等を入力することができる。
【０１０３】
また、同様に、第１の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ａ及び第３の第４階層サブクラスタ７７ｃを選択することによって、住所に含まれる町名、郵便番号等を入力することができる。そして、所定の住所が入力されると、該住所が目的地として設定される。すると、車載装置１４は車両の現在位置から設定された目的地までの経路を探索する。なお、経路を探索する方法は、通常のナビゲーション装置と同様なので、その説明を省略する。
【０１０４】
このように、本実施の形態においては、各階層を構成する分類項目が接続情報としてのツリーによって接続された状態で画面に表示されるとともに、分類項目の選択が確定されると該分類項目に含まれる下位の階層の分類項目が選択可能な状態で表示されるようになっている。そのため、各階層における分類項目の接続関係を容易に感覚的に把握することができる。また、選択が確定した分類項目に属するより下位の階層の分類項目のみが表示され、選択されていない分類項目に属するより下位の階層の分類項目が表示されないので、表示が煩雑でなく整理されて見やすくなる。そのため、どの階層の分類項目までが選択済みであるのか、という選択の進行状況を一目瞭然に把握することができる。
【０１０５】
また、選択が確定された分類項目は、画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示され、各階層において選択が確定された分類項目を接続するツリーの枝も画面の上下方向における中心付近に表示されるので、各階層における分類項目を選択した経緯を容易に把握することができる。そのため、最も下位の階層を構成する分類項目中に所望の項目が見つからずに、上位の階層に戻って分類項目を選択し直すような場合であっても、操作者は、分類項目を選択し直すべき階層を容易に把握することができる。
【０１０６】
さらに、画面に表示されている分類項目の中で最も下位の階層の分類項目が、画面の横方向における中心付近に表示されるようになっているので、選択すべき分類項目を容易に見つけ出すことができる。
【０１０７】
なお、本発明は前記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨に基づいて種々変形させることが可能であり、それらを本発明の範囲から排除するものではない。
【０１０８】
【発明の効果】
以上詳細に説明したように、本発明によれば、必要な選択項目を容易に見つけ出すことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第１の図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるナビゲーションシステムの車載装置の概念図である。
【図３】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第２の図である。
【図４】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第３の図である。
【図５】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第４の図である。
【図６】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第５の図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第６の図である。
【図８】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第７の図である。
【図９】本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第８の図である。
【図１０】本発明の第１の実施の形態における住所を入力する画面の例を示す図である。
【図１１】本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第１の図である。
【図１２】本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第２の図である。
【図１３】本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第３の図である。
【図１４】本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第４の図である。
【図１５】本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第５の図である。
【図１６】本発明の第２の実施の形態におけるメニュー表示画面の例を示す第６の図である。
【図１７】本発明の第２の実施の形態における住所を入力する画面の例を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１４ 車載装置
３４ 入力部
３５ 表示部
３６ 音声入力部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a menu display device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a navigation device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, when an operator such as a driver operates a predetermined input unit to set a destination, the destination and the current position detection processing unit detect the destination. Based on the current position of the vehicle, a route from the current position to the destination is searched, and the searched route is guided. In this case, the route is searched so that the distance from the current position to the destination is the shortest, or the route is searched so that the required time is the shortest.
[0003]
Further, it has a function of searching for a facility such as a restaurant or an amusement park based on the map data and guiding information such as the location, name, and usage fee of the facility. In this case, when a desired facility is selected from the searched facilities, a route to the facility is searched. As a result, an operator such as a driver of the vehicle can easily search for a desired facility, and a route to the facility is searched for and guided, so that the operator can easily reach the desired facility. Can be.
[0004]
Further, a navigation device having various functions such as a television function for displaying a television program, a calendar function for pre-booking a destination or the like, and a network function for accessing a website by connecting to the Internet has been proposed.
[0005]
As described above, in a multifunctional navigation device, the types of selection items for performing operations are increased, and when the operator causes the navigation device to perform a predetermined operation, necessary selection items can be easily selected. You will not be able to find it. Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which the selection items are classified, arranged in a tree shape and displayed, so that an operator can easily find necessary selection items (for example, see Patent Document 1). .).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-132302 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional navigation device, since a large number of selection items are displayed on a screen, if the screen size of the display device is small, characters for identifying each selection item are difficult to read, and it is difficult to find necessary selection items. Is difficult. In addition, by proceeding from the large classification to the small classification along the branched tree, it is possible to reach (select) a predetermined selection item. The branch corresponding to the sub-category to be selected is selected and the process proceeds. In this case, although the selection item existing in the forward direction of the traveling direction is displayed, the selection item corresponding to the portion that has already passed is not displayed, so even if you notice that an inappropriate branch is selected. It is not possible to know at which branching point the selection was incorrect. Therefore, when an inappropriate branch is selected, it is necessary to return to the root of the tree and start over, and it takes time to find a necessary selection item.
[0008]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and when the functions of a device such as a navigation device and the contents of processing to be executed are displayed on a screen as a menu, selection items are classified according to a hierarchical classification structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a menu display device that can be displayed in a state and displayed so that it can be intuitively grasped so that necessary selection items can be easily found.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
For this purpose, in the menu display device of the present invention, the selection items for selecting the functions of the computer or the processing to be executed by the computer are displayed in a clustered state according to the classification items of each hierarchy in the hierarchical classification structure. And a selection unit for selecting the selected item or cluster. When the cluster is selected, the display unit displays a cluster of a lower hierarchy in a larger scale.
[0010]
In another menu display device of the present invention, the display means displays a cluster of a hierarchy to be selected in correspondence with a selection direction of the selection means.
[0011]
In still another menu display device of the present invention, the display means displays the clusters in a stacked state when the number of clusters in one hierarchy is larger than the number selectable by the selection means.
[0012]
In still another menu display device according to the present invention, further, when the selected cluster is not at a predetermined position, the display unit expands while rotating the selected cluster to move to the predetermined position. To display.
[0013]
In still another menu display device of the present invention, a selection item for selecting a function of the computer or a process to be executed by the computer, in a state of being classified into classification items of each layer in a hierarchical classification structure, Display means for displaying together with a tree indicating the connection between the classification items of each hierarchy; and selection means for selecting the selection item or the classification item, wherein the display means includes a classification item of the hierarchy to be selected and a higher rank. The classification item whose hierarchy has been selected is displayed simultaneously, and when the classification item of the hierarchy to be selected is selected, the selected classification item is placed in the same position as the classification item whose selection of the higher hierarchy is determined. When the selection of the classification item of the hierarchy to be selected is determined, the classification item belonging to the classification item of the lower hierarchy that is determined to be selected, and the like. A classification item selection of the upper hierarchy is established for displaying the classification items including a classification item the selection has been determined at the same time.
[0014]
In still another menu display device according to the present invention, the display unit displays a selection item name display field for displaying a name of the selected classification item.
[0015]
In still another menu display device according to the present invention, when the selection means reselects a classification item of a higher hierarchy including the classification item whose selection is determined, the display means displays the selected classification again. Displays the lower-level classification items belonging to the item.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the vehicle-mounted device of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]
As shown in the figure, 14 is an in-vehicle device as a kind of computer that functions as a menu display device. Here, the on-vehicle device 14 is, specifically, a navigation device, a current position detection processing unit 15 for detecting a current position, a data recording unit 16 as a recording medium on which road data, search data, and the like are recorded, A navigation processing unit 17 for performing various arithmetic processing such as navigation processing based on the input information; an input unit 34; a display unit 35 for displaying on a screen a function of the in-vehicle device and a processing content to be executed on a screen; a voice input unit 36, a voice output unit 37 and a communication unit 38, and a vehicle speed sensor 41 is connected to the navigation processing unit 17.
[0019]
Note that the menu display device according to the present invention has a plurality of functions or any device capable of executing a plurality of processes, such as a general computer, a game machine, a television, and an audio device. Although the present invention can be applied to any device other than the navigation device, a case where the present invention is applied to a navigation device will be described in the present embodiment.
[0020]
In this case, the current position detection processing unit 15 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 21, a geomagnetic sensor 22, a distance sensor 23, a steering sensor 24, a beacon sensor 25, a gyro sensor 26, an altimeter (not shown), and the like. Some of the GPS sensor 21, the geomagnetic sensor 22, the distance sensor 23, the steering sensor 24, the beacon sensor 25, the gyro sensor 26, the altimeter, and the like can be appropriately omitted from the viewpoint of manufacturing costs and the like.
[0021]
The GPS sensor 21 detects a current position on the earth by receiving radio waves generated by artificial satellites, and the geomagnetic sensor 22 detects a direction in which the vehicle is facing by measuring geomagnetism. The distance sensor 23 detects a distance between predetermined positions on a road. As the distance sensor 23, for example, a sensor that measures the number of revolutions of a wheel (not shown) and detects a distance based on the number of revolutions, a sensor that measures acceleration, and detects the distance by integrating the acceleration twice, etc. Can be used.
[0022]
The steering sensor 24 detects a rudder angle. As the steering sensor 24, for example, an optical rotation sensor, a rotation resistance sensor, or a wheel mounted on a rotating portion of a steering wheel (not shown) is mounted on a wheel. The used angle sensor and the like are used.
[0023]
The beacon sensor 25 receives the position information from the beacon disposed along the road and detects the current position. The gyro sensor 26 detects a rotational angular velocity of the vehicle, that is, a turning angle. As the gyro sensor 26, for example, a gas rate gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like is used. Then, by integrating the turning angle detected by the gyro sensor 26, the direction in which the vehicle is facing can be detected.
[0024]
The GPS sensor 21 and the beacon sensor 25 can each independently detect the current position. The current position can also be detected by combining the distance detected by the distance sensor 23 and the azimuth detected by the geomagnetic sensor 22 and the gyro sensor 26. Further, the current position can be detected by combining the distance detected by the distance sensor 23 and the steering angle detected by the steering sensor 24.
[0025]
The data recording unit 16 includes a database including various data files, and displays a guide map along the searched route on the screen of the display unit 35 in addition to search data for searching for a route. Various types of information, such as displaying characteristic photographs and frame diagrams at intersections or routes, displaying the distance to the next intersection, the direction of travel at the next intersection, and displaying other guidance information Record the data. The data recording unit 16 also records various data for outputting predetermined information by the audio output unit 37.
[0026]
Here, the search data includes intersection data, road data, traffic regulation data, and route display data. In the intersection data, in addition to the number of intersections in which the data is stored, data on each intersection is assigned an identification number as intersection data and stored. Further, in each intersection data, in addition to the number of roads connected to the corresponding intersection, that is, the number of connection roads, a number for identifying each connection road is assigned and stored. The intersection data may include a type of the intersection, that is, whether the intersection is an intersection where a traffic light is installed or an intersection where no traffic light is installed.
[0027]
The road data includes, in addition to the number of roads in which the data is stored, data relating to each road as road data with a number for identification provided. Each of the road data stores a road type, a distance as a length of each road, a travel time as a time required to travel on each road, and the like. Further, the road type includes administrative road attributes such as national roads, prefectural roads, major local roads, general roads, and expressways.
[0028]
In addition, the road data includes, for the road itself, a width, a gradient, a cant, an altitude, a bank, a road surface condition, whether or not there is a median strip, the number of lanes of the road, and a decrease in the number of lanes. It is desirable to include data on points, points where the width becomes narrow, and the like. Then, in the case of a highway or a highway, each lane in the opposite direction is stored as separate road data, and is processed as a two-way road. For example, in the case of an arterial road having two or more lanes on one side, it is processed as a two-way road, and the upward lane and the downward lane are stored in the road data as independent roads. Further, as for the corner, it is desirable to include data such as a radius of curvature, an intersection, a T-junction, and an entrance of the corner. Further, road attributes such as a railroad crossing, a highway entrance rampway, a tollgate of a highway, a downhill road, an uphill road, and the like may be included.
[0029]
The navigation processing unit 17 includes a CPU 31 that controls the entire vehicle-mounted device 14, a RAM 32 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 31 performs various arithmetic processes, and a control program and a route to a destination. ROM 33 as a storage medium in which various programs for searching for information, running guidance in a route, determining a specific section, searching for points, facilities, and the like are stored. The input unit 34, the display unit 35, the audio input unit 36, the audio output unit 37, and the communication unit 38 are connected to the navigation processing unit 17. Then, various processes such as route search, travel guidance on the route, determination of a specific section, search of points, facilities, and the like are executed. Some of the audio input unit 36, the audio output unit 37, and the communication unit 38 can be omitted as appropriate from the viewpoint of manufacturing costs and the like.
[0030]
The computer-readable storage medium storing the navigation program, the search data, the road data, and the like includes not only semiconductor memories but also magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, magnetic drums, CD-ROMs, MDs, DVD-ROMs, optical disks. , MO, IC card, optical card, memory card, etc.
[0031]
The data recording section 16 and the ROM 33 are composed of a magnetic core, a semiconductor memory, and the like (not shown). Various storage media such as a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a magnetic drum, a CD-ROM, an MD, a DVD-ROM, an optical disk, an MO, an IC card, an optical card, and a memory card are used as the data recording unit 16 and the ROM 33. You can also. The storage medium may be preinstalled in the in-vehicle device 14 or may be replaced as appropriate by a driver or the like.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, various programs are stored in the ROM 33 and various data are recorded in the data recording unit 16. However, the programs and data are similarly stored in an external storage medium. You can also. In this case, for example, a storage medium such as a flash memory (not shown) may be provided in the navigation processing unit 17, and the program and data may be read from the external storage medium and written to the storage medium. Therefore, the program and data can be updated by exchanging the external storage medium. Further, a control program or the like of an automatic transmission control device (not shown) can be recorded in the external storage medium. As described above, it is possible to start programs recorded on various storage media and perform various processes based on data. The external storage medium may be of any type such as a magnetic tape, magnetic disk, magnetic drum, CD-ROM, MD, DVD-ROM, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, memory card, and the like.
[0033]
Further, the communication unit 38 is for transmitting and receiving various data to and from an FM transmission device, a telephone line network, the Internet, a mobile telephone network, and the like. Various kinds of data such as road information, traffic accident information, and D-GPS information for detecting a detection error of the GPS sensor 21 are received. Further, a program for realizing the functions of the present invention, other programs for operating the in-vehicle device 14, data, and the like are transferred from an information center (Internet server, navigation server, etc.) to a plurality of base stations (Internet provider terminals). , A communication station connected to the communication unit 38 via a telephone line network, a communication line network, or the like), and further from each base station to the communication unit 38. When such a system is used, when at least a part of the program and data transmitted from each base station is received, the CPU 31 reads and writes data in a memory such as a RAM 32, a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like. The program can be downloaded to a medium, the program can be started, and various processes can be performed based on the data.
[0034]
In this case, for example, the program and the data can be recorded on different storage media, or can be recorded on the same storage medium.
[0035]
Further, using a home personal computer, the program, data, and the like transmitted from the information center are downloaded to a storage medium such as a removable memory card, CD-R or the like with respect to the personal computer, and the program is activated. In addition, various processes can be performed based on the data.
[0036]
The input unit 34 is used to correct a position at the start of traveling and to input a destination. The input unit 34 includes operation keys, push buttons, a jog dial, It consists of keys and the like, but may be a remote controller. When the display unit 35 is a touch panel, it is preferable that the display unit 35 be configured with operation switches such as operation keys and operation menus displayed on the screen of the display unit 35. In this case, the input can be performed by pressing (touching) the operation switch like a normal touch panel.
[0037]
The screen of the display unit 35 displays operation guidance, an operation menu, guidance of operation keys, a route from a current position to a destination, guidance information along the route, and the like. As the display unit 35, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, a plasma display, a hologram device that projects a hologram on a windshield, or the like can be used.
[0038]
The voice input unit 36 is configured by a microphone (not shown) or the like, and can input necessary information by voice. Further, the voice output unit 37 includes a voice synthesizer and a speaker (not shown), and outputs voice information, for example, guide information and speed change information composed of voice synthesized by the voice synthesizer from the speaker, and notifies the operator. It should be noted that, in addition to the voice synthesized by the voice synthesizing device, various sounds and various kinds of guidance information recorded in advance on a tape, a memory, or the like can be output from a speaker.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle device 14 as a menu display device selects, from the viewpoint of functions, a function included in a computer or a selection item for selecting a process to be executed by the computer, by classifying each item in a hierarchical classification structure. The display device includes display means for displaying the information in a clustered state according to the item, and selection means for selecting the selected item or cluster. In this case, the display unit 35 corresponds to a display unit, and the input unit 34 or the voice input unit 36 corresponds to a selection unit. When the cluster is selected, the display means enlarges and displays the lower-level cluster. In the present embodiment, the term “cluster” refers to a group, a group, an aggregate, or the like, and the term “clustering” refers to, for example, grouping, forming a group, or forming an aggregate. is there.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 14 having the above configuration will be described.
[0041]
FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a second diagram showing an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a fifth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sixth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a seventh diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an eighth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting an address according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .
[0042]
First, when the operator turns on the power of the vehicle-mounted device 14, a menu display screen 11 showing an initial menu as shown in FIG. Normally, the power supply of the vehicle-mounted device 14 is automatically turned on when an accessory switch or an engine switch of the vehicle is turned on. Also, when the operator operates the input unit 34 and selects, for example, an initial menu display key or the like, the menu display screen 11 as shown in FIG.
[0043]
In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle device 14 has a large number of functions, and the number of selection items for selecting each of the functions or selecting the processing to be executed by the in-vehicle device 14 is extremely large. ing. Therefore, the selection items are classified in advance according to a classification structure hierarchized into a plurality of hierarchies, and are displayed in a classified state. For example, initially, the information is displayed in a state of being classified in the first hierarchy such as communication, navigation, traffic information, entertainment, setting, maintenance, and the like. Then, for example, when the navigation is selected, it is displayed in a state of being classified in the second hierarchy such as destination setting, registration, map layout, search and the like. Further, for example, when the destination setting is selected, the information is displayed in a state of being classified in the third hierarchy such as a profile, a memory point, an emergency, a past destination, an address, a telephone number, and the like.
[0044]
Here, on the menu display screen 11 shown in FIG. 1, a first all-selection-item cluster 51a and a second all-selection-item cluster 51b are displayed as rhombic shapes as initial menus. The first all selection item cluster 51a and the second all selection item cluster 51b are displayed as a set of selection item switches 52 corresponding to all the selection items. Each selection item switch 52 is also displayed in a diamond shape. In addition, in FIG. 1, the size of the screen of the display unit 35 is limited, so that only the first all-selected item cluster 51a is displayed in full size, and the second all-selected item cluster 51b is displayed in a reduced size. It is shown. When the first all-selected item cluster 51a and the second all-selected item cluster 51b are described in an integrated manner, they will be described as the all-selected item cluster 51.
[0045]
The first all-selection-item cluster 51a includes a first first-layer sub-cluster 53a and a second-first-level sub-cluster 53a as classification items of the first hierarchy in which the selection items are classified by the first hierarchy. It is composed of a first hierarchical sub-cluster 53b and a third first hierarchical sub-cluster 53c. Here, the first first hierarchy sub-cluster 53a is a set of selection item switches 52 belonging to communication, the second first hierarchy sub-cluster 53b is a set of selection item switches 52 belonging to navigation, and the third The one-level sub-cluster 53c is a set of the selection item switches 52 belonging to the traffic information. In the present embodiment, the names indicating the communication, navigation, and traffic information, which are the classification items of the first hierarchy, are displayed on the first to third first hierarchy subclusters 53a to 53c, respectively. The user can easily and intuitively grasp the classification items of the first hierarchy corresponding to the first to third first hierarchy sub-clusters 53a to 53c.
[0046]
A selection direction arrow 57 is displayed on the first all selection item cluster 51a. The selection direction arrow 57 indicates a direction in which the operator can select a direction by operating the direction selection means of the input unit 34. When the input unit 34 is, for example, a remote controller including a joystick, the remote controller generally includes a joystick as a direction selection unit in addition to an initial menu display key, a return operation key, and the like. However, even if the joystick can be operated in any direction, the menu display screen 11 recognizes only operations in the direction indicated by the selection direction arrow 57, that is, operations in four directions: up, down, left, and right. Even if the joystick is operable in eight directions, up, down, left, and right, the menu display screen 11 similarly recognizes only operations in four directions, up, down, left, and right. Therefore, a remote controller having a joystick that can be operated in four directions, up, down, left, and right, can correspond to operations on the menu display screen 11.
[0047]
Even if the joystick is not provided, any operation on the menu display screen 11 can be performed by a remote controller or an operation panel having buttons for selecting four directions of up, down, left, and right. In the case where the input unit 34 is a touch panel, the direction indicated by the selection direction arrow 57 can be selected by directly touching the selection direction arrow 57. When the in-vehicle device 14 has a voice recognition function and can be operated by voice input from the voice input unit 36, words such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” By inputting, the direction indicated by the selection direction arrow 57 can be selected.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 1, the first all-selection item cluster 51a includes a cluster existence display section 53d having the same shape as the first to third first-level sub-clusters 53a to 53c on the right. I have. The cluster presence display section 53d indicates that there is another cluster belonging to the same hierarchy as the first all-selection-item cluster 51a, that is, the second all-selection-item cluster 51b. It is displayed in a display mode (for example, a different color, pattern, or the like) different from those of the third first-level sub-clusters 53a to 53c. In the example shown in FIG. 1, it is displayed blacked out. Also, the selection direction arrow 57 is displayed in a shape different from that corresponding to the first to third first-level subclusters 53a to 53c in a portion corresponding to the cluster presence display portion 53d (arrow indicating the right direction). ing. Further, in the vicinity of the cluster presence display section 53d, the second all selection item cluster 51b is reduced and displayed. Thus, the operator can intuitively grasp that the second all-selected item cluster 51b is displayed when the user selects the cluster presence display section 53d. In FIG. 1, a part of the second all-selection item cluster 51b is deleted because it does not fit on the screen, but in this case, the operator recognizes the existence of the second all-selection item cluster 51b. It is not always necessary to display the entire screen, as long as it can be performed.
[0049]
Then, when the operator operates the direction selection means of the input unit 34 to select the cluster presence display unit 53d, as shown in FIG. 3, the second all selection item cluster 51b is displayed in full size, and the first Is reduced and displayed.
[0050]
Here, the second all-selection-item cluster 51b includes a fourth first-layer subcluster 53e, a fifth first-layer subcluster 53f, and a sixth first-level subcluster 53e in which the selection items are classified by the first level. It is composed of a first hierarchical sub-cluster 53g. The fourth first hierarchy sub-cluster 53e is a set of selection item switches 52 belonging to entertainment, the fifth first hierarchy sub-cluster 53f is a collection of selection item switches 52 belonging to setting, and the sixth first The hierarchical sub-cluster 53g is a set of the selection item switches 52 belonging to the maintenance. Also, the names indicating entertainment, setting, and maintenance, which are the classification items of the first hierarchy, are displayed on the fourth to sixth first hierarchy sub-clusters 53e to 53g, respectively. The classification items of the first hierarchy to which the sixth first hierarchy sub-clusters 53e to 53g correspond can be easily and intuitively grasped. When the first to sixth first-level sub-clusters 53a to 53c and 53e to 53g are described in an integrated manner, they will be described as first-level sub-clusters 53.
[0051]
Further, a selection direction arrow 57 is displayed in the second all selection item cluster 51b as in FIG. Further, the second all-selection-item cluster 51b is a cluster presence display indicating that there is a first all-selection-item cluster 51a as another cluster belonging to the same hierarchy as the second all-selection-item cluster 51b. The portion 53h is included on the left. The cluster existence display section 53h is the same as the cluster existence display section 53d of the first all selection item cluster 51a, and the first all selection item cluster 51a is reduced and displayed in the vicinity. Thereby, the operator can intuitively grasp that the first all-selected item cluster 51a is displayed when the cluster presence display section 53d is selected.
[0052]
Further, the number of all selection item clusters 51 may be singular or may be three or more. The all selection item clusters 51 are formed such that the number of the first hierarchy sub-clusters 53 included therein is four or less, that is, the number that can be selected by the operation of the direction selecting means in four directions, up, down, left, and right. You. Therefore, if the total number of the first hierarchy sub-clusters 53 formed by classifying all the selection item switches 52 in the first hierarchy is four or less, the number of all the selection item clusters 51 becomes singular and the first If the total number of hierarchical sub-clusters 53 is five or more, the number of all selection item clusters 51 becomes plural as in the present embodiment.
[0053]
The first all-selection item cluster 51a and the second all-selection item cluster 51b, the selection item switch 52, the selection direction arrow 57, and the like on the menu display screen 11 shown in FIGS. It is displayed by defining points to be drawn in advance. In this case, the display mode of the first all-selection item cluster 51a and the second all-selection item cluster 51b, the selection item switch 52, the selection direction arrow 57, and the like is also determined in advance by the program.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, when the power of the in-vehicle device 14 is turned on, a menu display screen 11 as shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 35 as a screen showing the initial menu. However, a menu display screen 11 as shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed.
[0055]
Subsequently, the operator selects a desired one from the first hierarchy sub-cluster 53. Here, a case where the operator selects the second first-level sub-cluster 53b, which is a set of the selection item switches 52 belonging to the navigation, will be described. In this case, the operator operates the direction selecting means of the input unit 34 on the menu display screen 11 as shown in FIG. 1 and selects the left to confirm the selection.
[0056]
Here, when the direction selecting means is a joystick, the inclined direction is selected by inclining the joystick in one of four directions, up, down, left, and right. Then, the second first hierarchical sub-cluster 53b as the selected portion is displayed in a raised manner. Thus, the operator can reliably grasp the part selected by himself. Then, when the operator confirms the selected part by the second first hierarchical sub-cluster 53b being raised and displayed, the operator pushes down the joystick to confirm the selection. Thus, the selection of the second first-level sub-cluster 53b is determined.
[0057]
If the direction selecting means is a button for selecting four directions of up, down, left, and right, pressing any one of the buttons selects the pressed direction and determines the direction at the same time. When the input unit 34 is a touch panel, the finger or the like is directly touched to the selection direction arrow 57, and then the finger or the like is released, so that the touch direction of the selection direction arrow 57 is selected. Determined at the same time. Furthermore, when using voice input, one of the directions is selected by voice input of words such as “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right”, and then “decision”, The selection is confirmed by inputting words such as "confirmation" by voice. It should be noted that by simply inputting words such as “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right” by voice, it is also possible to determine the direction at the same time as selecting any direction.
[0058]
Then, when the selection of the second first hierarchy sub-cluster 53b is determined, as shown in FIG. 4, the entire first all selection item cluster 51a is rotated, and the second first hierarchy sub-cluster 53b is rotated. The cluster 53b moves to a lower position in the first all selection item cluster 51a. That is, when the selected classification item is not at the predetermined position, the display unit displays the selected classification item in an enlarged manner while rotating the selected classification item to move to the predetermined position. Specifically, when the first hierarchical sub-cluster 53 is selected, the first hierarchical sub-cluster 53 is displayed at a lower position in all the selection item clusters 51. Therefore, when the first first-level sub-cluster 53a or the second first-level sub-cluster 53b is selected, the first all-selected item cluster 51a is rotated, and the fourth first-level sub-cluster 53a is selected. When 53e or the fifth first hierarchical sub-cluster 53f is selected, the second all-selected item cluster 51b is rotated. Note that when the third first-level sub-cluster 53c is selected, the first all-selection-item cluster 51a does not rotate, and when the sixth first-level sub-cluster 53g is selected, the first-level sub-cluster 53g does not rotate. The second all-selected item cluster 51b does not rotate.
[0059]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 51 'denotes the first all selection item cluster 51a before the start of rotation, which is indicated by a dotted line, a thin line, a thin line, or the like, but may be omitted. Further, the selected second first-level sub-cluster 53b is displayed so as to be higher than the first non-selected first-level sub-cluster 53a and the third first-level sub-cluster 53c. You can see that. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the first all selection item cluster 51a is rotating. Therefore, in order to make it easy to recognize that the user is rotating, the shading 54 is displayed below the first all-selection-item cluster 51a, and the entire first all-selection-item cluster 51a is raised and rotated. Is displayed in.
[0060]
When a three-dimensional figure as shown in FIG. 4 is rotated, a well-known three-dimensional affine transformation is used. In the case of two-dimensional affine transformation, a cubic matrix is used. In the case of three-dimensional affine transformation, a quartic matrix as shown in the following equation (1) is used.
[0061]
(Equation 1)

Equation (1) is for moving the point P (x, y, z) in the three-dimensional space to the point P ′ (x ′, y ′, z ′). Note that the coefficients a to i satisfy the condition shown in the following equation (2).
[0062]
(Equation 2)

Then, when the above equation (1) is calculated to be a linear equation, the following equation (3) is obtained.
[0063]
[Equation 3]

Coefficients a to i and t _x ~ T _z Is determined by the value of
[0064]
When performing a three-dimensional affine transformation on a figure, the three-dimensional affine transformation is performed on all points forming the corresponding figure. By performing the three-dimensional affine transformation, “parallel movement”, “rotational movement”, “enlargement / reduction”, and the like of a three-dimensional figure as shown in FIG. 4 can be performed.
[0065]
In order to smoothly display the movement of the figure, the three-dimensional affine transformation is repeatedly performed many times. For example, when the first all-selected item cluster 51a as shown in FIG. 4 is rotated by 90 degrees, the three-dimensional affine transformation is divided into three times so as to rotate by 30 degrees rather than by 90 degrees at a time. Is performed more smoothly, and the display can be more smoothly displayed by repeatedly performing the three-dimensional affine transformation in nine times such that the image is rotated by 10 degrees.
[0066]
Subsequently, when the second first-level sub-cluster 53b moves to a lower position in the first all-selection-item cluster 51a, as shown in FIG. 5, the second first-level sub-cluster 53b is enlarged. Is displayed. Here, the second first hierarchy sub-cluster 53b includes a first second hierarchy sub-cluster 58a, a second hierarchy sub-cluster 58a as a second hierarchy classification item in which the selection items are classified by the second hierarchy. Of the second hierarchical sub-cluster 58b, a third second hierarchical sub-cluster 58c, and a fourth second hierarchical sub-cluster 58d. The first second layer sub-cluster 58a is a set of selection item switches 52 belonging to the registration, the second second layer sub-cluster 58b is a set of selection item switches 52 belonging to the map layout, the third second layer The sub-cluster 58c is a set of the selection item switches 52 belonging to the search, and the fourth second hierarchy sub-cluster 58d is a set of the selection item switches 52 belonging to the destination setting. In the present embodiment, names indicating registration, map layout, search, and destination setting, which are the classification items of the second hierarchy, are displayed on the first to fourth second hierarchy subclusters 58a to 58d, respectively. Therefore, the operator can easily and intuitively grasp the classification items of the second hierarchy corresponding to the first to fourth second hierarchy sub-clusters 58a to 58d. A selection direction arrow 57 is displayed on the second first hierarchical sub-cluster 53b, similarly to the menu display screen 11 shown in FIG. When all the second hierarchy sub-clusters including the first to fourth second hierarchy sub-clusters 58a to 58d are described in an integrated manner, they will be described as the second hierarchy sub-cluster 58.
[0067]
In the figure, 53a 'and 53c' indicate a first first-level sub-cluster 53a and a third first-level sub-cluster 53c, respectively, and are indicated by dotted lines, thin lines, thin lines, and the like. However, it can be omitted. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the fourth second-level sub-cluster 58d is selected, and the selected fourth-level second-level sub-cluster 58d is a non-selected first level. Of the second hierarchy sub-cluster 58a, the second second hierarchy sub-cluster 58b, and the third second hierarchy sub-cluster 58c.
[0068]
Subsequently, when the selection of the fourth second hierarchy sub-cluster 58d is determined, the fourth second hierarchy sub-cluster 58d is displayed in an enlarged manner as shown in FIG. When the selection of the fourth second hierarchy sub-cluster 58d is determined, the entire first all selection item cluster 51a or the second first hierarchy sub-cluster 53b is rotated, and the fourth second hierarchy sub-cluster 53b is rotated. The sub-cluster 58d may move to a lower position in the first all-selected item cluster 51a or the second first-level sub-cluster 53b.
[0069]
In the example shown in FIG. 6, the fourth second-tier sub-cluster 58d includes a first selection-item switch as a classification item of a third hierarchy in which the selection items are classified by a third hierarchy. 52a, a second selection item switch 52b, a third selection item switch 52c, and a fourth selection item switch 52d. The first selection item switch 52a is a profile, the second selection item switch 52b is a memory location, the third selection item switch 52c is an emergency, and the fourth selection item switch 52d is a past destination. . In the present embodiment, the names of the profiles, the memory points, and the emergency and past destinations, which are the selection item switches 52 classified in the third hierarchy, are first to fourth selection item switches 52a to 52d. Since each is displayed above, the operator can easily and intuitively grasp the item names corresponding to the first to fourth selection item switches 52a to 52d.
[0070]
By the way, in the present embodiment, since the fourth second-level sub-cluster 58d includes five or more selection items, it is composed of the first layer 58d-1 and the second layer 58d-2. That is, when the number of classification items in one hierarchy is larger than the number that can be selected by the selection unit, the display unit displays the classification items in a stacked state. Specifically, the second hierarchical sub-cluster 58 is formed such that the number of selection items included in the second hierarchy sub-cluster 58 is four or less as a number that can be selected by operation of the direction selecting means in four directions, up, down, left, and right. You. Therefore, if the total number of the selection item switches 52 included in one second hierarchy sub-cluster 58 is four or less, the number of layers of the corresponding second hierarchy sub-cluster 58 is singular, and one second hierarchy sub-cluster 58 If the total number of the selection item switches 52 included in the sub-cluster 58 is five or more, the number of layers of the corresponding second hierarchical sub-cluster 58 is plural as in the present embodiment. The number of layers in the second hierarchical sub-cluster 58 may be three or more.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 6, the fourth second hierarchical sub-cluster 58d is displayed so as to have a stacked structure in which the second layer 58d-2 is below the first layer 58d-1. Thereby, the operator can easily grasp the existence of the second layer 58d-2. In this case, in addition to the selection direction arrow 57, a lower layer selection arrow 57a for selecting a lower layer is displayed on the fourth second hierarchy sub-cluster 58d. The existence of the two layers 58d-2 can be easily grasped. The lower layer selection arrow 57a is selected by operating the direction selection means twice or for a long time. For example, when the direction selection means is a joystick, the lower layer selection arrow 57a can be selected by tilting the joystick twice downward or by maintaining the state of tilting downward. .
[0072]
Then, when the operator operates the direction selecting means to select the lower layer selection arrow 57a, the positions of the first layer 58d-1 and the second layer 58d-2 are switched, and the second layer 58d-2, which is the lower layer, becomes the highest. Displayed as the upper layer. In this case, first, as shown in FIG. 7, the first layer 58d-1 moves below the menu display screen 11, and the second layer 58d-2 appears. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the first layer 58d-1 enters below the second layer 58d-2 and moves to above the menu display screen 11. Finally, as shown in FIG. 9, the first layer 58d-1 is hidden under the second layer 58d-2.
[0073]
In the state shown in FIG. 9, the second layer 58d-2 of the fourth second hierarchical sub-cluster 58d is displayed in an enlarged manner. The second layer 58d-2 includes a fifth selection item switch 52e, a sixth selection item switch 52f, a seventh selection item switch 52g, and an eighth selection item switch 52h classified in the third hierarchy. Contains. The fifth selection item switch 52e is a top for returning to the initial menu, the sixth selection item switch 52f is an address, the seventh selection item switch 52g is a forward, an enter or an end, and an eighth selection item. Switch 52h is a telephone number. In the present embodiment, the names indicating the top, address, advance, enter or end, and the telephone number, which are the selection item switches 52 classified in the third hierarchy, are the fifth to eighth selection item switches. Since they are displayed on 52e to 52h respectively, the operator can easily and intuitively grasp the item names corresponding to the fifth to eighth selection item switches 52e to 52h. As in the case shown in FIG. 6, a selection direction arrow 57 and a lower layer selection arrow 57a are also displayed. FIG. 9 shows a state where an address which is the sixth selection item switch 52f is selected, and the sixth selection item switch 52f which is a selected portion is a fifth portion which is not selected. The selection item switch 52e, the seventh selection item switch 52g, and the eighth selection item switch 52h are displayed in a raised manner.
[0074]
Subsequently, when the selection of the sixth selection item switch 52f is confirmed, an address input screen 12 for inputting an address is displayed as shown in FIG. The address input screen 12 includes an address display section 61 and an address input section 62. The address display section 61 includes an address display field 61a for displaying an address, a block number, etc., a town name display field 61b for displaying a city name, and a city name display field 61c for displaying a city name. It is. Furthermore, a list display designating means 61d for displaying a list of addresses, block numbers, town names, city names and the like is included. In this case, when the operator operates the direction selection unit of the input unit 34 to select the list display designation unit 61d, the address, the block number, the town name, the city name, and the like are displayed in the address display column 61a, the town name display column 61b, and the city name display. A list is displayed in the column 61c. Then, when the operator operates the direction selecting means of the input unit 34 and selects a predetermined address, block number, town name, city name, etc. from the list display, the selected address, block number, town name, city name is selected. Are displayed in the address display field 61a, the town name display field 61b, and the city name display field 61c.
[0075]
The address input section 62 includes a plurality of symbol selection items 62a, character selection means 62b, and number selection means 62c. Here, the symbol is a symbol included in a normal keyboard or the like, such as a character, a number, and an arithmetic operation symbol. When the operator operates the direction selection means of the input unit 34 to select the character selection means 62b, a symbol selection item 62a for selecting a character is displayed as shown in FIG. When 62c is selected, a symbol selection item 62a (not shown) for selecting a numeral is displayed. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the symbol selection item 62a corresponding to the character "C" is selected, and the symbol selection item 62a corresponding to the character "C", which is the selected portion, is the unselected portion. Are raised above the symbol selection item 62a corresponding to the other character.
[0076]
When a predetermined symbol is selected by selecting the symbol selection item 62a, the selected symbol is displayed in an address display column 61a, a town name display column 61b, and a city name display column 61c. Thus, when a predetermined address is input, the address is set as a destination. Then, the vehicle-mounted device 14 searches for a route from the current position of the vehicle to the set destination. Note that the method of searching for a route is the same as that of a normal navigation device, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0077]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the in-vehicle device 14 has a large number of functions, and the selection items for selecting each of the functions and selecting the processing to be executed by the in-vehicle device 14 include: Classification is performed in advance according to a classification structure hierarchized into a plurality of hierarchies, and displayed in a classified state. Then, in each hierarchy, the classification items constituting the corresponding hierarchy are displayed so as to be easily grasped.
[0078]
In this case, the selection items are enlarged and displayed in the lower hierarchy. As a result, all the classification items constituting the corresponding hierarchy are sufficiently large and displayed on the screen of the display unit 35, and the classification items constituting the lower hierarchy are displayed small, and the higher hierarchy is also displayed. Are displayed so large that at least a part thereof is not displayed on the screen of the display unit 35. In addition, since the corresponding name is displayed for the classification item constituting the corresponding hierarchy, the classification item constituting the corresponding hierarchy can be easily grasped.
[0079]
Further, the classification items constituting the corresponding hierarchy are displayed in a state where they can be selected by selecting one of four directions, up, down, left, and right. Thus, the operator can easily select a desired classification item by operating the direction selection means such as a joystick. Even when the number of classification items constituting the corresponding hierarchy is large, a plurality of screens for displaying the classification items are prepared and sequentially displayed, so that a desired classification item can be easily displayed. You can choose.
[0080]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The description of the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment is omitted.
[0081]
FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a fifth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a sixth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting an address according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0082]
First, when the operator turns on the power of the in-vehicle device 14, a menu display screen 17 showing an initial menu as shown in FIG. Also in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the selection items for selecting each of the functions of the in-vehicle device 14 and for selecting the processing to be executed by the in-vehicle device 14 are previously stored in a plurality of layers. Are classified according to a hierarchical classification structure, and are displayed in a classified state. In the present embodiment, the display means, in a state where a selection item for selecting a function of the computer or a process to be executed by the computer is classified into classification items of each hierarchy in a hierarchical classification structure, And a tree indicating the connection between the classification items of each hierarchy. Further, the classification item of the hierarchy to be selected and the classification item for which the selection of the higher hierarchy has been selected are simultaneously displayed, and the hierarchy to be selected is displayed. When the classification item is selected, the selected classification item is displayed at the same position as the classification item for which the selection of the higher hierarchy has been confirmed, and when the selection of the classification item of the hierarchy to be selected is confirmed, A classification item belonging to a classification item of a lower hierarchy that belongs to the classification item for which the selection has been determined, and a classification item for which a selection of a higher hierarchy has been determined and for which the selection has been determined. At the same time to display the category that contains the item. The selection means selects a selection item or a classification item.
[0083]
Here, the menu display screen 17 shown in FIG. 11 displays, as an initial menu, a first first-level sub-cluster as a first-level classification item in which the selection items are classified in the first level. 71a, a second first-level subcluster 71b, a third first-level subcluster 71c, a fourth first-level subcluster 71d, and a fifth first-level subcluster 71e are displayed. In the present embodiment, the marks indicating the contents of the classification items of the first hierarchy are displayed in the first to fifth first hierarchy sub-clusters 71a to 71e, respectively. It is possible to easily and intuitively grasp the classification items of the first hierarchy corresponding to the first to fifth first hierarchy subclusters 71a to 71e. When the first to fifth first-level sub-clusters 71a to 71e are described in an integrated manner, the first-level sub-clusters 71a to 71e are referred to as first-level sub-clusters 71.
[0084]
In the present embodiment, the classification items displayed on the menu display screen 17 are displayed in a state where any one of them is selected. In the menu display screen 17 shown in FIG. 11, the first first-level sub-cluster 71a displayed at the top is displayed in a selected state. Further, the selected first first-level sub-cluster 71a is displayed in a display mode different from the other second to fifth first-level sub-clusters 71b to 71e. Description will be made assuming that the color is displayed. Then, when the selection is confirmed, the display mode further changes, but here, description will be made assuming that the display is performed in a darker color.
[0085]
Note that, in this state as well, only the first first-level sub-cluster 71a is selected, and the selection is not confirmed. Therefore, the operator can also operate the direction selecting means of the input unit 34 to select another first hierarchical sub-cluster 71. The method of selecting the first hierarchical sub-cluster 71 and the method of determining the selection are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0086]
The menu display screen 17 includes a selection item name display column 18 for displaying the name of the selected classification item. In the selected item name display column 18, a name indicating a navigation which is the first first-level sub-cluster 71a as the selected classification item is displayed. Thereby, the operator can accurately grasp the selected classification item.
[0087]
Subsequently, when the selection of the first first-level sub-cluster 71a is determined, as shown in FIG. 12, the first second-level sub-cluster 71a is a second lower-level classification item of the second level. A hierarchical subcluster 73a, a second second hierarchical subcluster 73b, a third second hierarchical subcluster 73c, and a fourth second hierarchical subcluster 73d are displayed. In the case where the first to fourth second-level sub-clusters 73a to 73d are described in an integrated manner, they will be described as second-level sub-clusters 73.
[0088]
When the second hierarchy sub-cluster 73 is also displayed on the menu display screen 17, it is displayed in a dark color indicating that one of the sub-clusters 73 is selected. On the menu display screen 17 shown in FIG. 12, the second second hierarchical sub-cluster 73b is displayed in a selected state. Then, in the selection item name display column 18, following the name of the first first-level sub-cluster 71a, the destination setting which is the second second-level sub-cluster 73b as the selected classification item is shown. The name is displayed.
[0089]
Also, a first and second hierarchy tree 72 as a tree connected from the first first hierarchy sub-cluster 71a to the second hierarchy sub-cluster 73 is displayed. The tree in the present embodiment functions as connection information between hierarchies, and the operator uses the first and second inter-hierarchical trees 72 to generate first to fourth second-hierarchical subclusters 73a to 73d. It can be easily and intuitively grasped that the item is a lower classification item included in the first first hierarchical sub-cluster 71a.
[0090]
In this case, on the menu display screen 17, the classification items of the upper hierarchy are displayed on the left side, and are displayed so as to move rightward on the menu display screen 17 from the upper hierarchy to the lower hierarchy. Then, the classification item of the lowest hierarchy among the classification items displayed on the menu display screen 17 is displayed near the center in the horizontal direction of the screen. Further, the classification item whose selection has been confirmed is displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen. Further, in FIG. 12, a second second-level sub-cluster 73b, which is a selected item in the category item of the lowest level, is displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen even if the selection is not confirmed. ing. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the classification items of the hierarchy to be selected, and also easily grasp the classification items for which the selection has been confirmed. Until the selection is confirmed, the selected classification item may not be moved to the vicinity of the center in the vertical direction of the screen.
[0091]
Subsequently, when the selection of the second second hierarchical sub-cluster 73b is determined, as shown in FIG. 13, the first third sub-cluster 73b is a first lower third hierarchical classification item. A hierarchical sub-cluster 75a, a second third hierarchical sub-cluster 75b, a third third hierarchical sub-cluster 75c, and the like are displayed. When the first to third third-layer sub-clusters 75a to 75c and the like are described in an integrated manner, the first to third third-layer sub-clusters 75a to 75c are described as the third-layer sub-cluster 75. In this case, the third hierarchical sub-cluster 75, which is the lowest hierarchical classification item among the classification items displayed on the menu display screen 17, is displayed near the center in the horizontal direction of the screen.
[0092]
When the selection of the second second hierarchy sub-cluster 73b is confirmed, the first and second hierarchy trees 72 are displayed in a dark color. Thus, the operator can easily and intuitively know that the selection of the second second-level sub-cluster 73b has been confirmed. Since the selected second second-level sub-cluster 73b is displayed near the center in the up-down direction of the screen, the first first-level and second-level inter-tree tree 72 whose selection is finalized is displayed. A branch connecting the first hierarchical sub-cluster 71a and the second second hierarchical sub-cluster 73b is also displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the classification item whose selection has been confirmed.
[0093]
When the third hierarchical sub-cluster 75 is displayed on the menu display screen 17, one of the third hierarchical sub-clusters 75 is displayed in a selected state. On the menu display screen 17 shown in FIG. 13, the first third hierarchical sub-cluster 75a is displayed in a selected state. Then, in the selection item name display column 18, following the names of the first first-level sub-cluster 71a and the second second-level sub-cluster 73b, the first third level as the selected classification item is displayed. The name indicating the intersection which is the sub-cluster 75a is displayed.
[0094]
Further, a tree 74 between the second and third layers is displayed as a tree connected from the second second-level sub-cluster 73b to the third-level sub-cluster 75. Thereby, the operator easily and intuitively grasps that the first to third third-level sub-clusters 75a to 75c are lower-level classification items included in the second second-level sub-cluster 73b. be able to.
[0095]
It should be noted that even if the selection of the first third hierarchical sub-cluster 75a is not determined, it is displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen. Further, in the present embodiment, when the number of classification items of the same hierarchy is large, some of the classification items are not displayed on the menu display screen 17. In the menu display screen 17 shown in FIG. 13, the first to third third-tier sub-clusters 75a to 75c are displayed in the menu display screen 17, but other items are not displayed.
[0096]
However, the selected item in the category item of the lowest hierarchy is displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen even if the selection has not been confirmed, so that By selecting an item located below the cluster 75a, all items are sequentially displayed. For example, when the operator operates the direction selecting means of the input unit 34 to select the sixth third-level sub-cluster 75f, as shown in FIG. 14, the sixth third-level sub-cluster 75f is displayed on the screen. Since it is displayed near the center in the vertical direction, the fourth to seventh third-level sub-clusters 75d to 75g as items not displayed in the menu display screen 17 in the menu display screen 17 shown in FIG. Is displayed in the menu display screen 17. In the selection item name display field 18, a name indicating an address as a sixth third-level sub-cluster 75f is displayed instead of a name indicating an intersection as the first third-level sub-cluster 75a. .
[0097]
In the menu display screen 17 shown in FIG. 14, the sixth third-level sub-cluster 75f is displayed in a dark color, and the selection is confirmed. Therefore, a branch connecting the second second-level sub-cluster 73b and the sixth third-level sub-cluster 75f in the second-level and third-level hierarchical tree 74 is displayed in a dark color and in the vertical direction of the screen. Displayed near the center.
[0098]
When the selection of the sixth third hierarchy sub-cluster 75f is determined, as shown in FIG. 15, the first fourth hierarchy as a classification item of the fourth hierarchy which is a lower hierarchy. The sub-cluster 77a, the second fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77b, and the third fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77c are displayed. When the first to third fourth sub-clusters 77a to 77c are described in an integrated manner, the first to third fourth sub-clusters 77a to 77c are described as the fourth sub-cluster 77. In this case, the fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77, which is the lowest hierarchical category item among the category items displayed on the menu display screen 17, is displayed near the center in the horizontal direction of the screen. Therefore, the classification item of the higher hierarchy moves to the left of the screen, and the first hierarchy sub-cluster 71 is not displayed.
[0099]
Further, a third and fourth hierarchical tree 76 is displayed as a tree connected from the sixth third hierarchical subcluster 75f to the fourth hierarchical subcluster 77. Thus, the operator can easily and intuitively grasp that the first to third fourth-level sub-clusters 77a to 77c are lower-level classification items included in the sixth third-level sub-cluster 75f. Can be.
[0100]
Even if the selection of the first fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77a is not determined, it is displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen. In the first to third fourth-level sub-clusters 77a to 77c, names corresponding to a town name input, a street address input, and a postal code input are respectively shown. The name indicating the fourth hierarchy sub-cluster 77 is not displayed.
[0101]
Subsequently, when the second fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77b is selected and the selection is confirmed, as shown in FIG. 16, the second fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77b is displayed in a dark color, and Are displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen. Also, a branch connecting the sixth third-level sub-cluster 75f and the second fourth-level sub-cluster 77b in the third-level and fourth-level hierarchical tree 76 is displayed in dark color, and in the vertical direction of the screen. Displayed near the center.
[0102]
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 17, the second fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77b moves upward in the screen, and a display field 82 and a character input unit 83 are located below the second fourth hierarchical sub-cluster 77b. And a numeral input section 84 are displayed. FIG. 17 shows a state in which the character selection item 83a corresponding to the character "A" is selected, and the character selection item 83a corresponding to the character "A" which is the selected portion is a portion not selected. Are displayed in a darker color than the character selection item 83a corresponding to the other character. Then, by selecting the character selection item 83a and the number selection item 84a, a character or a number is selected and displayed in the display column 82. A list display designating means 81 for displaying a list of addresses and the like is displayed on the right side of the screen. In this case, when the operator operates the direction selection unit of the input unit 34 to select the list display designation unit 81, the address, the block number, and the like are displayed in a list in the display column 82. Then, when the operator operates the direction selecting means of the input unit 34 and selects a predetermined address, block number, or the like from the list display, the selected address, block number, or the like is displayed in the display column 82. In this way, the address, block number, and the like included in the address can be input.
[0103]
Similarly, by selecting the first fourth hierarchy sub-cluster 77a and the third fourth hierarchy sub-cluster 77c, the name of the street, the postal code, etc., included in the address can be input. When a predetermined address is input, the address is set as a destination. Then, the vehicle-mounted device 14 searches for a route from the current position of the vehicle to the set destination. Note that the method of searching for a route is the same as that of a normal navigation device, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0104]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the classification items constituting each hierarchy are displayed on the screen in a state where they are connected by a tree as connection information, and when the selection of the classification item is confirmed, the classification item is displayed. The included lower-level classification items are displayed in a selectable state. Therefore, it is possible to easily and intuitively grasp the connection relationship between the classification items in each hierarchy. Also, only the classification items of the lower hierarchy belonging to the classification item for which the selection has been confirmed are displayed, and the classification items of the lower hierarchy belonging to the classification item that is not selected are not displayed, so that the display is organized without complication. It will be easier to see. Therefore, it is possible to grasp at a glance the progress of the selection, up to which hierarchical category item has already been selected.
[0105]
In addition, the classification item whose selection is determined is displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen, and the branch of the tree connecting the classification item whose selection is determined in each hierarchy is also displayed near the center in the vertical direction of the screen. Therefore, it is possible to easily comprehend the history of selecting the classification item in each hierarchy. Therefore, even when a desired item is not found in the category items constituting the lowest hierarchy and the user returns to the higher hierarchy and selects a category item again, the operator selects the category item. The level to be corrected can be easily grasped.
[0106]
In addition, since the lowest level category item among the category items displayed on the screen is displayed near the center in the horizontal direction of the screen, it is easy to find the category item to be selected. Can be.
[0107]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified based on the gist of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.
[0108]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, necessary selection items can be easily found.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a menu display screen according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle-mounted device of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a fifth diagram showing an example of the menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sixth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a seventh diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an eighth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting an address according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a fifth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a sixth diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for inputting an address according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
14 On-board equipment
34 Input section
35 Display
36 Voice input section

Claims (7)

(A) display means for displaying, in a clustered state, a selection item for selecting a function of the computer or a process to be executed by the computer, according to a classification item of each hierarchy in a hierarchical classification structure;
(B) selecting means for selecting the selection item or cluster,
(C) The menu display device, wherein when the cluster is selected, the lower-level cluster is displayed in an enlarged manner when the cluster is selected. 2. The menu display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a cluster of a hierarchy to be selected in correspondence with a selection direction of the selection unit. 3. The menu display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the clusters in a stacked state when the number of clusters in one hierarchy is larger than the number selectable by the selection unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the selected cluster is not at a predetermined position, the display unit enlarges and displays the selected cluster while rotating the selected cluster to move to the predetermined position. Menu display device as described. (A) A connection between the classification items of each hierarchy is made in a state where selection items for selecting functions provided in the computer or processing to be executed by the computer are classified into classification items of each hierarchy in a hierarchical classification structure. Display means for displaying along with the tree shown,
(B) selecting means for selecting the selection item or classification item,
(C) The display means simultaneously displays the classification item of the hierarchy to be selected and the classification item for which the selection of the higher hierarchy has been determined, and when the classification item of the hierarchy to be selected is selected, the selected item is selected. The classification item is displayed at the same position as the classification item for which the selection of the higher hierarchy has been confirmed, and when the selection of the classification item of the hierarchy to be selected is confirmed, the classification item of the lower hierarchy and the selection is A menu display device for simultaneously displaying a classification item belonging to a determined classification item and a classification item including a classification item for which selection of a higher hierarchy has been determined and including the classification item for which the selection has been determined. 6. The menu display device according to claim 5, wherein the display unit displays a selection item name display field for displaying a name of the selected classification item. When the selecting means reselects a higher-level classification item including the classification item whose selection has been confirmed, the display means displays lower-level classification items belonging to the reselected classification item. Item 7. The menu display device according to item 5 or 6.

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