JP2007168521A - Navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device capable of performing a remote control of a function of an external apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An external apparatus operation switch to operate the external apparatus is displayed to be selectable on a display 19 (S102). A signal according to an operation on the external apparatus operation switch by a user is outputted from an external apparatus control interface 22 for being connected to the external apparatus (S106). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.

  Conventionally, an air conditioner device, an audio device, a navigation device, and the like are independently mounted on a vehicle.

In addition, as a method for associating these devices, in Patent Document 1, a cover type operation panel is attached to a display screen, and the operation of the navigation type and the operation of the air conditioner are switched by operating the cover type operation panel. What can be done is described. Further, Patent Document 2 describes that a center module for centrally performing operations of an audio device, an air conditioner, and the like is provided, and the audio device, the air conditioner, and the like are operated by operating the center module.
JP 2002-104025 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-275044

  However, in the conventional devices described above, the operation functions of these devices are fixed in advance when mounted on a vehicle. For this reason, for example, there is a problem that even if there is a request to remotely control the function of an external device such as an air conditioner using a navigation device, such a problem cannot be achieved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can remotely control the function of an external device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of the present invention is that an external device operation switch for operating an external device is selectably displayed on a display, and a signal corresponding to a user operation on the external device operation switch is displayed. The output is from a connection means for connecting to an external device.

  In such a configuration, since a signal corresponding to the operation of the external device operation switch by the user is output from the connection means for connecting to the external device, the function of the external device can be remotely operated.

  In this case, in a navigation device configured to be able to switch between a state in which the display appears in front of the navigation body and a state in which the display is stored in the navigation body, an external device is placed behind the display when mounted on the vehicle later. Even if the operation unit is hidden, the operation unit of such an external device can be easily performed by using the display of the navigation device.

  In the present invention, a second feature is that a name change screen for changing the name of the external device operation switch is displayed on the display, and the name of the external device operation switch is changed according to the name change screen.

  Thus, since the name of the external device operation switch can be changed according to the name change screen for changing the name of the external device operation switch, the name of the external device operation switch can be changed to a user's favorite name.

  Further, in the present invention, an arrangement change screen for changing the arrangement and / or number of external device operation switches displayed on the display is displayed, and the arrangement and / or number of external device operation switches are changed according to the arrangement change screen. Is the third feature.

  As described above, the arrangement and / or number of the external device operation switches are changed according to the arrangement change screen for changing the arrangement and / or number of the plurality of external device operation switches displayed on the display. The number can be changed to the user's preference.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to a vehicle. The navigation device 1 is attached to a center console (not shown) together with an air conditioner operation unit 40 and an audio device 41 (in FIG. 1, only the audio device 41 is shown) as external devices. Further, the navigation device 1 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the display 19 appears in front of the navigation body 10 and a state in which the display 19 is stored in the navigation body 10. Specifically, when the operation of the navigation device 1 is started, the display 19 is moved from the navigation body 10 by the drive mechanism and appears in the foreground, and when the operation is stopped, the display 19 is moved into the navigation body 10 by the drive mechanism (not shown). It is configured to be stored. Further, the navigation main body 10 and the external devices 40 and 41 are connected by a cable via the connection connector 30.

  FIG. 2 shows a block configuration of the navigation device 1. The navigation apparatus 1 includes a geomagnetic sensor 12, a gyroscope 13, a distance sensor 14, a position detector 11 including a GPS receiver 15, a map data input device 16 for reading map data from a map storage medium, an operation switch group 17, and a control. A circuit 18, a display 19 that performs various displays, a remote control sensor 20 that receives signals from a remote controller 21, and an external device control interface 22 are provided.

  The operation switch group 17 includes a push button switch provided around the display screen of the display 19 and a touch switch provided so as to overlap the display screen of the display 19. The user presses the push button switch or touches the user. A signal corresponding to the touch on the switch is output to the control circuit 18.

  The control circuit 18 is configured by a computer including a CPU, a memory, and the like, and the CPU operates according to a predetermined program.

  The display 19 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal, and displays a video corresponding to the video signal input from the control circuit 18 on the display screen.

  The external device control interface 22 has a plurality of output terminals, and outputs various signals for controlling the air conditioner operation unit 40 and the audio device 41 from these output terminals. Note that these output terminals are provided on the back surface of the navigation main body 10.

  Each output terminal of the external device control interface 22 is connected to each external input terminal (described later) provided in the air conditioner operation unit 40 and the audio device 41 via the connection cable 31, the connection connector 30 and the connection cable 32.

  The connection connector 30 has a plurality of (for example, 20) terminals as shown in FIG. Each output terminal of the external device control interface 22 and each terminal of the connection connector 30 are connected one-to-one by a connection cable 31 configured using a multi-core cable. The unit 40 and each external input terminal provided in the audio device 41 are connected on a one-to-one basis by a connection cable 32 configured using a multicore cable.

  In addition, the air conditioner operating unit 40 includes an air conditioner switch for turning on and off the air conditioner, an off switch for stopping the fan, a set temperature increasing switch for increasing the set temperature, a set temperature decreasing switch for decreasing the set temperature, and an inside / outside mode for switching between the inside air mode and the outside air mode. Each operation unit (not shown) such as an air changeover switch is provided.

  In addition, the air conditioner operation unit 40 in the present embodiment includes a plurality of external input terminals provided corresponding to the respective operation switches. These external input terminals are used to input external signals for operating each operation unit from the outside. The air conditioner operation unit 40 outputs a control signal corresponding to a signal input from the operation unit and an external signal input from the external input terminal by software processing. On the basis of this control signal, the air conditioner is turned on / off, the fan is stopped, and the set temperature is set. Setting, switching between inside air mode and outside air mode. Specifically, it is determined whether a signal input from the operation unit is detected, whether an external signal is input from the external input terminal, and whether a signal is input from the operation unit is determined. In this case, or when it is determined that a signal is input from the external input terminal, the control signal is output.

  Also, the audio device 41 includes an audio source changeover switch for switching audio sources such as CD, FM radio, and AM radio, a volume up switch for increasing the volume, a volume down switch for decreasing the volume, and a pre-registered broadcast station. Each operation unit (not shown) such as a channel selection switch for setting the reception frequency is provided.

  In addition, the audio device 41 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of external input terminals provided corresponding to the respective operation switches, similarly to the air conditioner operation unit 40. The audio device 41 outputs a control signal when it is determined that a signal is input from the operation unit, or when it is determined that a signal is input from the external input terminal, similarly to the air conditioner operation unit 40. This control signal is used to switch the audio source, adjust the volume, and set the reception frequency of the broadcasting station.

  The navigation device 1 displays an external device operation screen (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5) on the display screen of the display 19 according to a user operation, and SW1 to SW9 displayed on the external device operation screen. When the external device operation switch 204 is touched, a pulse signal for one pulse is output from the output terminal of the external device control interface 22 corresponding to each external device operation switch 204.

  When the navigation device 1 is attached to the vehicle, the output terminal of the navigation device 1, the connection connector 30, and the connection device 30 according to the manual describing the agreement on the correspondence between the external device operation switches SW1 to SW9 and the output terminals. Between the connection connector 30 and the external devices 40 and 41.

  Then, a pulse signal corresponding to the user's touch operation on the external device operation switches SW1 to SW9 is input from the output terminal of the external device control interface 22 to the external input terminals of the external devices 40 and 41.

  The navigation apparatus 1 is in an operating state when the ignition switch is turned on and power is supplied from the battery. The control circuit 18 calculates the host vehicle position based on the signal input from the position detector 11, and overlays the host vehicle position mark on the map around the host vehicle position on the display screen of the display 19. Together with the map display process to be displayed, the process shown in FIG. 4 is started.

  First, it is determined whether or not “external device” has been pressed (S100). Specifically, an external device operation screen changeover switch (not shown) displayed as “external device” for switching to an external device operation screen for operating an external device is displayed on the display 19 according to a user operation. It is determined whether or not “external device” has been pressed based on whether or not a signal indicating that the external device operation screen changeover switch has been touched is input from the operation switch group 17 in accordance with a user operation. To do.

  If the external device operation screen changeover switch is not pressed by the user, the determination in S100 is NO and the determination in S100 is repeated. If the user presses the external device operation screen switching switch, the determination in S100 is YES, and then the external device operation screen is displayed on the display 19 (S102).

  FIG. 5 shows a display example of the external device operation screen. As shown in the figure, the operation switch 204 including the switches SW1 to SW9 for outputting a signal for operating the external device from the output terminal of the external device control interface 22, and the name change for changing the name of the external device operation switch 204. A name change switch 206 for switching to the screen, an arrangement change switch 208 for changing the arrangement of the external device operation switch 204, and an “NAVI” switch 202 for switching to the navigation screen are displayed.

  If the external device operation switch 204 corresponding to all external input terminals provided in the external devices 40 and 41 is displayed on the display 19, the visibility and operability of the external device operation switch 204 may be reduced. For this reason, in this embodiment, only the external device operation switch 204 corresponding to the operation switch with a high use frequency of the external devices 40 and 41 is displayed.

  Next, it is determined which switch has been pressed in accordance with the external device operation screen (S104). Specifically, when the external device operation switches SW1 to SW9 are touch-operated, it is determined that the operation switch is pressed, and when the “name change” switch 206 or the “placement change” switch 208 is touch-operated. It is determined that the setting switch has been pressed, and if the “NAVI” switch 202 is touched, it is determined that the screen switching switch has been pressed.

  If it is determined in S104 that the setting switch has been pressed, then the “name change” switch 206 is selected based on whether the “name change” switch 206 is touched or the “placement change” switch 208 is touched. It is determined whether or not is pressed (S108).

  When the user touches the “name change” switch 206, it is determined in S104 that the setting switch has been pressed, YES is determined in S108, a name change screen is then displayed (S110), and the user's character input operation is performed. Accordingly, the name of the external device operation switch 204 on the display screen is changed (S112).

  Specifically, first, the external device operation switch 204 is displayed in a selectable manner. Next, when a specific external device operation switch 204 is selected by the user, a character input screen for alphabets, numbers, symbols, and the like is displayed. Further, on this character input screen, a “complete” switch for operating when character input is completed and a “return” switch for returning to the previous screen are displayed in a selectable manner. Next, when a new name is input in accordance with this character input screen and the “complete” switch is operated, the name of the external device operation switch 204 is changed. When the same operation is performed on the other external device operation switch 204, the name of the operated other external device operation switch 204 is changed. In this way, the names of the external device operation switches SW1 to SW9 are changed. When the “return” switch is operated by the user, the process returns to S100.

  FIG. 6 shows a display example when the name of the external device operation switch 204 is changed. This figure further shows a state in which the number of external device operation switches has been changed to six in accordance with the operation of the “placement change” switch 208 described later. When the navigation device 1 and the air conditioner operation unit 40 are connected so that the external device operation switch SW1 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the air conditioner switch of the air conditioner, as shown in FIG. The name of the operation switch SW1 can be changed to, for example, “AC-ON / OFF”. Further, when the navigation device 1 and the audio device 41 are connected so that the external device operation switch SW4 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the audio source changeover switch of the audio device 41, it is shown in FIG. Thus, the name of the external device operation switch SW4 can be changed to, for example, “Audio-Source”.

  If the user touches the “change placement” switch 208, it is determined in S104 that the setting switch has been pressed, NO is determined in S108, and then the placement change screen of the external device operation switch 204 is displayed ( In step S114, the arrangement and name of the external device operation switch 204 are changed in accordance with the user's input operation (S116).

  Specifically, first, the external device operation switch 204 displayed on the display 19 is displayed in a selectable manner, and an input unit for inputting the number of external device operation switches 204 is displayed. Further, on this arrangement change screen, a “replacement” switch for exchanging the arrangement of the external device operation switches 204 and a “return” switch for returning to the previous screen are displayed in a selectable manner. Next, when the number of external device operation switches 204 to be displayed on the input section of the arrangement change screen is input, the input number of external device operation switches 204 is displayed on the display 19. Further, when the “replacement” switch is operated after the user selects two external device operation switches 204, the arrangement of the selected external device operation switch 204 is switched. In this way, the number and arrangement of the external device operation switches 204 are changed. When the “return” switch is operated by the user, the process returns to S100.

  When the user operates the external device operation switch 204 displayed on the external device operation screen, it is determined in S104 that the operation switch has been pressed, and then 1 is output from the output terminal of the external device control interface 22 associated in advance. A pulse signal for the pulse is output (S106), and the process returns to S104.

  For example, when the user touches an external device operation switch displayed as “AC-ON / OFF”, a pulse signal for one pulse is output from the output terminal corresponding to the touched external device operation switch of the external device control interface 22. This pulse signal is input to the external input terminal of the air conditioner operation unit 40 connected via the connection cable 31, the connection connector 30, and the connection cable 32. The air conditioner operation unit 40 turns on or off the air conditioner in the same manner as when an air conditioner switch for turning on or off the air conditioner is operated according to the pulse signal input to the external input terminal.

  When the user touches the external device operation switch displayed as “Audio-Source”, a pulse signal for one pulse is output from the output terminal corresponding to the touched external device operation switch of the external device control interface 22. The pulse signal is input to the external input terminal of the audio apparatus 41 connected via the connection cable 31, the connection connector 30, and the connection cable 32. The audio device 41 switches the audio source in the same manner as when an audio source switching switch for switching an audio source such as CD, FM radio, or AM radio is operated in accordance with the pulse signal input to the external input terminal.

  As described above, the user can operate the external devices 40 and 41 by operating the external device operation switch 204 displayed on the external device operation screen.

  Further, when the user touches the “NAVI” switch 202, the display screen is switched from the external device operation screen to the navigation screen display (S118), and this processing is terminated.

  According to the configuration described above, an external device operation switch for operating an external device is displayed on the display 19 in a selectable manner, and an external signal for connecting a signal corresponding to the user's operation to the external device operation switch to the external device. Output from the device control interface 22.

  In such a configuration, since a signal corresponding to the operation of the external device operation switch by the user is output from the connection means for connecting to the external device, the function of the external device can be remotely operated.

  Further, in a navigation device configured to be switchable between a state in which the display 19 appears in front of the navigation body 10 and a state in which the display 19 is stored in the navigation body 10, Even if the operation unit of the external device is hidden, the operation unit of such an external device can be easily performed by using the display 19 of the navigation device.

  Further, since a name change screen for changing the name of the external device operation switch 204 is displayed on the display, the user can easily change the name of the external device operation switch 204 according to the name change screen.

  In addition, since an arrangement change screen for changing the arrangement and / or number of the plurality of external device operation switches 204 displayed on the display 19 is displayed, the user follows the arrangement change screen and the external device operation switch according to the user's preference. The arrangement and number of 204 can be changed.

  The correspondence relationship between the configuration of the above embodiment and the configuration of the claims will be described. The air conditioner operation unit 40 and the audio device 41 correspond to external devices, the external device control interface 22 corresponds to connection means, and S106. The process of S110 corresponds to the name change screen display means, the process of S112 corresponds to the name change means, the process of S114 corresponds to the layout change screen display means, and the process of S116 Corresponds to the arrangement changing means.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Based on the meaning of this invention, it can implement with a various form.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the operation switches of the icon operation unit 40 and the audio device 41 as external devices are operated from the operation screen of the navigation device 1 has been described. For example, a hazard switch for operating blinking of the hazard lamp may be operated.

  In addition, as shown in the above embodiment, not only the operation unit of the external device hidden behind the display, but also an external device located on the passenger seat side than the display, an external device located below the display, etc. You may make it operate the operation part of the external apparatus considered that operation becomes difficult with a display from the operation screen of a navigation apparatus. Further, for example, an operation switch that is hidden when a drink is put in the drink holder may be remotely operated.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the display 19 can be switched between a state in which the display 19 appears in front of the navigation main body 10 and a state in which the display 19 is stored in the navigation main body 10 has been described. 19 may be applied to a navigation device configured to be fixedly attached in front of an external device such as the air conditioner operation unit 40 or the audio device 41.

  In the above embodiment, an example of displaying a screen for changing the name of the external device operation switch 204 by character input in S110 has been shown. For example, a name assumed in advance is prepared and displayed on the display screen. A screen for changing the name of the external device operation switch selected by the user from these may be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, an example of displaying a screen for changing the arrangement and number of the external device operation switches 204 in S114 has been shown. However, a screen for changing only the arrangement of the external device operation switches 204 or an external device operation switch is shown. A screen for changing only the number 204 may be displayed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which connected between the external apparatus control interface 22 of the navigation apparatus 1 and the external apparatuses 40 and 41 by the wire using the connection connector 30 and the connection cables 31 and 32 was shown, for example, Alternatively, connection may be made by radio such as infrared rays.

  Moreover, although the example which provided the output terminal of the external apparatus control interface 22 in the back surface of the navigation apparatus 1 was shown in the said embodiment, it is not limited to a back surface, For example, you may provide in the front surface of the navigation apparatus 1. Good.

  Further, in the above embodiment, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which only the external device operation switch 204 corresponding to the operation switch with a high use frequency of the external devices 40 and 41 is displayed, but the use of the external devices 40 and 41 is shown. Regardless of the frequency, all external device operation switches 204 corresponding to the external input terminals may be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a pulse signal for one pulse is output from the output terminal of the external device control interface 22 in response to a user's touch operation on the external device operation switch has been described. Without limitation, for example, a signal whose logic level changes in response to a user's touch operation on the external device operation switch, such as a plurality of pulse signals or a signal whose logic level is inverted according to a user's operation, is output. You may do it.

  Moreover, although the example which operates the external devices 40 and 41 according to a user's touch operation on the display screen of the navigation apparatus 1 was shown in the said embodiment, in operation of the user's remote control 21 according to an external device operation screen. Accordingly, the external devices 40 and 41 can be operated.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when this navigation apparatus 1 is attached to a vehicle, according to the manual in which the agreement about the correspondence between each external apparatus operation switch SW1-SW9 and an output terminal was described, Although the example which performs the wiring between the connection connector 30 and the wiring between the connection connector 30 and the external devices 40 and 41 was shown, wiring work, confirming the operation | movement when operating external device operation switch SW1-SW9 May be performed.

It is the figure which showed typically a mode that the navigation apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention was attached to the vehicle. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of a navigation apparatus. It is an external view of the connection connector connected to the external apparatus control interface of a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart of a control circuit. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an external apparatus operation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display when the name of an external apparatus operation switch is changed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Navigation apparatus, 10 ... Navigation main body, 11 ... Position detector,
12 ... Geomagnetic sensor, 13 ... Gyroscope, 14 ... Distance sensor,
15 ... GPS receiver, 16 ... Map data input device, 17 ... Operation switch group,
18 ... Control circuit, 19 ... Display, 20 ... Remote control sensor, 21 ... Remote control,
22 ... External device control interface, 30 ... Connector,
31, 32 ... connection cable, 40 ... air conditioner operation unit, 41 ... audio device.

Claims (4)

A navigation device mounted on a vehicle,
Display control means for selectively displaying an external device operation switch for operating the external device on the display;
Connection means for connecting to an external input terminal of the external device;
A navigation apparatus comprising: signal output means for outputting a signal corresponding to a user's operation to the external device operation switch from the connection means. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the display is configured to be switchable between a state in which the display appears in front of the navigation body and a state in which the display is stored in the navigation body. A name change screen display means for displaying a name change screen for changing the name of the external device operation switch on the display;
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a name changing unit that changes a name of the external device operation switch according to the name change screen. An arrangement change screen display means for displaying an arrangement change screen for changing the arrangement and / or number of the external device operation switches displayed on the display;
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an arrangement changing unit that changes an arrangement and / or number of the external device operation switches in accordance with the arrangement changing screen displayed by the arrangement changing screen display unit. The navigation device according to one.

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