JP2008216102A - On-vehicle navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an on-vehicle navigation system capable of using a mouse as an input means for inputting an operation indication concerned in navigation, and capable of executing quickly and simply an input operation by a user. <P>SOLUTION: This on-vehicle navigation system includes a display means adapted to display at least an operation screen concerned in the navigation, a control means, and the mouse connectable communicably to the control means, and displays the operation screen dedicated to the mouse on the display means (S4), when detecting the connection of the mouse by the control means (S1). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted navigation device, and more particularly, to a navigation device including a novel input device adapted to easily perform various navigation-related operations (required map display, destination setting, facility search, etc.). .

  In a typical in-vehicle navigation device, a control device such as a CPU for controlling all processing related to navigation, a storage device such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM storing map data, a display device such as an LCD monitor, A GPS receiver for detecting the current position of the vehicle, a self-contained navigation sensor such as a gyro for detecting the direction and traveling speed of the host vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor, and the like are provided. Then, the control device reads out map data including the current position of the own vehicle from the storage device, draws a map image around the own vehicle position on the screen of the display device based on the map data, and presents the current position of the own vehicle. The vehicle position mark is displayed superimposed on the screen, the map image is scrolled according to the movement of the vehicle, the map image is fixed on the screen and the vehicle position mark is moved , So you can see at a glance where your car is currently driving.

  The in-vehicle navigation device is equipped with a function (route guidance function) for guiding the user so that the user can easily travel on the road without making a mistake. According to this route guidance function, the optimal route connecting from the departure place (typically the vehicle position) to the set destination using the map data is determined by the control device, such as a horizontal search method or Dijkstra method. A simulation calculation is performed to search, and the searched route is stored as a guidance route, so that the guidance route can be distinguished from other roads on the map image while traveling (for example, by changing the color or line width). When the specified distance is reached to the approaching intersection on the guidance route, an enlarged view of the intersection (an arrow indicating the direction of travel at the intersection) Display the distance to the destination, the name of the intersection, etc.), so that the user can grasp the optimum route to the destination.

  In such a navigation device, when setting a destination, searching for various facilities in the vicinity of the destination or in the vicinity of a waypoint in the middle, or displaying a map for finding a desired location In order to perform various operations related to navigation, it is necessary to display an operation screen corresponding to each situation on the display device. As operation input means for that purpose, in the current technology, joysticks and jog dials attached to products (navigation units), remote controllers (remote controllers), dedicated controllers such as operation panels installed on the center console, and display devices A touch panel installed on the screen is used.

  For example, when various operations related to navigation are performed using a touch panel, the following operations are performed. FIG. 12 schematically shows an operation example in that case.

  In FIG. 12, (a) is an operation example related to “map enlargement / reduction”, (b) is an operation example related to “map scroll”, (c) is an operation example related to “menu selection”, and (d) is “ An operation example related to “character input” is shown. The map enlargement / reduction is performed by touching the “wide / detail” key (the portion indicated by the upward / downward triangular arrow marks) displayed on the operation screen 1 as shown in FIG. For example, if the upward triangular arrow mark is touched once, the map display is enlarged by one step in a predetermined scale unit, and thereafter, the display is enlarged by one step each time the same touch operation is repeated. As shown in FIG. 12B, the map scroll is performed by touching one of eight “direction” keys (portions indicated by arrow marks) displayed on the operation screen 2, for example, leftward Touch the arrow mark to scroll the map screen in that direction. In this case, the scrolling speed is adjusted in several steps from the slowest in accordance with the length of time the “direction” key is touched. As shown in FIG. 12C, menu selection is performed by selecting items (touch operation) one by one from the upper level menu screen 3a and sequentially moving to the lower level menu screens 3b and 3c. Done. Character input is performed by directly touching a “character input” key having a 50-sound arrangement displayed on the operation screen 4 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the conventional navigation device, in order to perform operations such as map enlargement / reduction and map scrolling, each of the target screens is displayed (or the target selection operation or character input operation is completed). Until then, it was necessary to repeatedly perform touch operations one by one on the various buttons, keys, menu items, etc. displayed on the respective operation screens. Such an operation is not limited to the touch panel, and the same applies to other operation input means such as a jog dial and a remote controller. For example, when performing “map enlargement / reduction” using the remote controller, the scale of the map is enlarged / reduced step by step by pressing the “wide / detail” button provided on the remote control one by one. Further, when “map scroll” is performed using the jog dial, the map screen is scrolled in that direction by tilting the jog in a desired direction. In this case, the scrolling speed is adjusted in several stages from the one with the slower scrolling speed according to the length of time the jog is tilted in the direction.

As a technique related to such a conventional technique, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of input operation devices such as a rotary switch, a joystick, and a jog dial are connected to a navigation device, and each input operation device is Some menus display different menus by assigning different operation menus.
JP 2006-256599 A

  As described above, in a conventional in-vehicle navigation device, a dedicated controller such as a remote controller, a touch panel, or the like is used as input means for performing various operations related to navigation. In order to perform operations such as map enlargement / reduction, map scrolling, menu selection, character input, etc., until the respective target screens are displayed, or until the target selection operation, character input operation, etc. are completed. In addition, it is necessary to repeatedly perform a touch operation, a button operation, a jog tilting operation, and the like for each button, key, menu item, and the like displayed on each operation screen. For this reason, there are problems as described below.

  For example, in the case of a touch panel, when “map enlargement / reduction” as illustrated in FIG. 12A is performed, a wide area / detail key is touched and changed one step at a time. There is a problem that a plurality of touch operations are required to display a range image, and the operation is troublesome. In addition, when performing “map scrolling” as illustrated in FIG. 12B, it is necessary to keep pressing the arrow mark in the desired moving direction, and the scrolling speed is set according to the length of the touched time. Since it is divided into several stages from the later one, there is a disadvantage that it takes a considerable time to display the image of the target map range. In addition, when “menu selection” as illustrated in FIG. 12C is performed, an item is selected one by one from each menu, and the menu is sequentially shifted to a lower-level menu. If there is an error, it is necessary to cancel the current selection menu and wait for the higher-level menu to be displayed again and re-enter. In addition, when “character input” as illustrated in FIG. 12D is performed, there is a merit that the character can be directly selected by directly touching a desired character input key. Since the input keys) are densely arranged, there is a high possibility that a key adjacent to a desired key is erroneously touched (incorrectly selected). In addition, regardless of the operation content of the touch panel, there is a disadvantage that the display content on the screen becomes difficult to see because the screen is contaminated with fingerprints.

  Also, in the case of a dedicated controller such as a remote controller, the user cannot directly select the desired menu, and the button operation must be repeated until the desired menu is displayed, which makes the operation cumbersome. was there.

  As described above, even if any operation input means (joystick, jog dial, remote control, operation panel, touch panel, etc.) is used, it is generally not used to the operation in consideration of the environment (vehicle interior) to be used. There was a disadvantage that it took time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the prior art, and can be used as a means for inputting an operation instruction related to navigation, and an in-vehicle navigation device capable of performing a quick and simple input operation for a user. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, according to the present invention, display means adapted to display at least an operation screen related to navigation, control means operatively connected to the display means, and the control A mouse that can be communicably connected to the means, and the control means controls the display means to display an operation screen dedicated to the mouse when the connection of the mouse is detected. A navigation device is provided.

  According to the vehicle-mounted navigation device according to the present invention, when the connection of the mouse is detected by the control means, an operation screen dedicated to the mouse is displayed on the display means.

  Thus, the user can use the mouse while looking at the operation screen dedicated to the mouse with an operation feeling that is usually used as an operation input device of a personal computer (PC). In other words, since it is easier to operate (improves operability) than conventional operation input means (jog dial, remote control, touch panel, etc.), it becomes possible to easily and quickly input various operation instructions related to navigation. .

  Other structural features of the vehicle-mounted navigation device according to the present invention, specific processing modes based thereon, advantageous advantages, and the like will be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the invention described later.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The in-vehicle navigation device 30 according to the present embodiment includes a navigation device body 10 including a control unit 11 configured by a microcomputer as shown in the figure, a hard disk drive (HDD) 20 as a recording medium, and an antenna. A communication device 21 such as an in-vehicle phone or a mobile phone (in this case, a dedicated modem is attached) for communicating with the outside via the GPS and a GPS signal sent from a GPS satellite to receive the current position of the vehicle A GPS receiver 22 that detects the longitude and latitude of the vehicle, a self-contained navigation sensor 23 that includes an angle sensor such as a gyro that detects the heading of the vehicle, a distance sensor that generates a pulse at every predetermined travel distance, and the like. A mouse 24, an operating unit 25, a display device 26, and an audio output device 27. And a touch panel display device with 28 provided in place of the device 26 (indicated by dashed lines). In addition, the navigation apparatus body 10 incorporates a USB controller 12 that functions as an interface for controlling data communication between the external mouse 24 and the control unit 11. The external functional blocks 20 to 23 and 25 to 28 other than the mouse 24 are operatively connected to the control unit 11 although not particularly shown in FIG.

  The control unit 11 basically performs various processes related to navigation (detects the current position of the vehicle from the output of the GPS receiver 22, and calculates the direction and travel speed of the vehicle from the output of the autonomous navigation sensor 23. Or search for a guidance route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination under search conditions set with reference to the map database (HDD 20). Further, as a process related to the present invention, the control unit 11 has a function of controlling the switching of the operation screen related to the mouse connection and the process related to the display for the display device 26 and the like as will be described later.

  As the USB controller 12, a USB controller that conforms to the USB 2.0 standard corresponding to an increase in data transfer speed is used. In other words, it is a transfer mode in which HS (High Speed) mode (480 Mbps) is added to the USB 1.1 standard corresponding to the conventional LS (Low Speed) mode (1.5 Mbps) and FS (Full Speed) mode (12 Mbps). It corresponds. The USB controller 12 has identification information that uniquely identifies a plurality of types of mice that are to be connected in advance. As a result, when an arbitrary mouse is connected to the apparatus 30, the identification information is acquired from the mouse based on the control from the control unit 11, and compared with the identification information that is held. It is possible to determine whether the mouse is connected to the mouse or another mouse (connected mouse identification function). For example, when there are two mice (mouse A and mouse B) that are supposed to be connected to the device 30, the mouse 30 is first connected and the mouse A is removed, and then the device 30 is connected. Even when the mouse B is connected to the mouse, the currently connected mouse can be specified by the connected mouse identification function. As described above, the USB controller 12 can detect whether an arbitrary mouse 24 is connected and whether the mouse is disconnected in cooperation with the control unit 11.

  On a disk (not shown) driven by the HDD 20, map data divided into longitude and latitude widths of appropriate sizes according to each scale level (1/12500, 1/25000, 1 / 50,000, etc.) (Each road data and intersection data for display, map matching and route search, data on various facilities, etc.) are stored in the allocated storage area. Furthermore, in another storage area in the HDD 20, as information related to the present invention, a plurality of operation menus (for example, for each mouse that is assumed to be connected to the apparatus 30 can be executed by operating the mouse) For each of map enlargement / reduction, map scroll, menu selection, character input, etc., at least one of the operation content, directionality and operation amount by mouse operation (mouse body movement operation, left button operation, right button operation, The table which linked | related wheel rotation operation) is stored.

  As a form of the mouse 24, a ball type, an optical (laser type), a wireless type or the like generally used as a peripheral device of a personal computer (PC) is selectively used. Can do. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a mouse 24 with a USB cable (ball type or optical (laser type) mouse) is used. The mouse 24 is provided with a left button LB, a right button RB, and a wheel WL as operators. The USB connector CN connected to the tip of the cable attached to the mouse 24 is inserted into a USB terminal (jack) CT provided at an appropriate location around the display device as shown in FIG. Thus, the mouse 24 is electrically connected to the USB controller 12 of the navigation apparatus body 10 (FIG. 1) via the USB terminal CT. That is, the mouse 24 is detachably connected to the present device (navigation device body 10).

  The operation unit 25 is for inputting information instructed by the user to operate the navigation device body 10, and is, for example, a remote control transmitter connected to the control unit 11 in the navigation device body 10 by infrared communication or the like. (Hereinafter simply referred to as “remote control”). Although not specifically shown, this remote controller displays various operation screens on the display device 26 and the like described later, selects various menus and various items on the screen, and executes selected menus and the like. Various operation keys, buttons, joysticks, etc. are provided. As a form of the operation unit 25, a dedicated controller such as an operation panel fixedly provided on the center console can be considered in addition to the remote controller.

  The display device 26 is composed of an LCD monitor or the like, and at least an intermediate position of the center console so that the display screen can be viewed from at least the driver's seat (when an “operation panel” is used as the operation unit 25, ). On the screen of the display device 26, based on the control from the navigation device body 10 (control unit 11), basically guidance information related to navigation (a map around the current position of the vehicle, the vehicle position mark, the vehicle Guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination, guidance information based on facility search, etc.) are displayed. Further, as information related to the present invention, various operation screens switched based on control from the control unit 11 are displayed as will be described later.

  The audio output device 27 is information (digital information) related to navigation to be voice-guided based on a speaker installed in a predetermined number in a predetermined position in the vehicle interior and control from the navigation device body 10 (control unit 11). Is converted to an analog audio signal and output to each speaker.

  Moreover, the display device 28 with a touch panel provided as necessary is arranged on the center console instead of the display device 26. This display device 28 with a touch panel includes an LCD panel 28b that constitutes a display unit, and a touch panel 28a (a resistance pressure-sensitive method, a capacitive coupling method, etc.) that includes transparent electrodes disposed on the LCD panel 28b. Furthermore, an operation position detection unit that detects a position touched by the finger of an operator (for example, a driver) on the touch panel 28a and outputs the result to the control unit 11 is provided.

  In the in-vehicle navigation device 30 configured as described above, the control unit 11 is a “control unit”, the HDD 20 is a “storage unit”, the operation unit 25 or the touch panel 28a is an “operation input unit”, the display device 26 or The LCD panel 28b corresponds to “display means”, and the audio output device 27 corresponds to “audio output means”.

  In the following, processing related to switching of various operation screens related to mouse connection and screen display based thereon performed by the control unit 11 in the in-vehicle navigation device 30 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, a supplementary description will be given with reference to the screen display examples shown in FIGS. As an initial state when executing each process (FIGS. 3 to 6), it is assumed that the vehicle is in a stopped state from the viewpoint of safety.

(Figure 3: Switching display of operation screen based on mouse connection during normal operation)
The processing shown in FIG. 3 is performed in a state where the normal operation screen is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 (or the LCD panel 28b) based on an operation instruction from the operation unit 25 (or the touch panel 28a) such as a remote controller. Is assumed to be not connected yet.

  Display examples of the normal operation screen at this time are shown in (a) in each of FIGS. In the illustrated example, an operation screen 31a (FIG. 7A) for performing “pointer movement”, an operation screen 32a (FIG. 8A) for performing “map enlargement / reduction”, and “map scrolling”, respectively. Operation screen 33a (FIG. 9 (a)) for performing a menu, operation screen 34a (FIG. 10 (a)) for performing “menu selection”, operation screen 35a (FIG. 11 (a) for performing “character input”) )) Is displayed.

  In such a state, in the first step S1, based on the control from the control unit 11, the USB controller 12 determines whether the mouse 24 is connected via the USB terminal CT (YES) or not (NO). If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S2, and if the determination result is NO, the determination process is repeated.

  In the next step S <b> 2, a confirmation menu as to whether to change from normal operation to mouse operation is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 or the like based on control from the control unit 11. That is, the user is inquired whether to perform an operation related to navigation using the connected mouse 24.

  Examples of screen display displaying the confirmation menu at this time are shown in FIG. 7B to FIG. 11B. In the illustrated example, the operation screens 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b, and 35b are displayed, respectively, and a confirmation message MN “Do you want to change the operation method to a mouse operation?” “Yes” and “No” confirmation buttons YB and NB are displayed.

  When this confirmation menu is displayed on the screen (31b, 32b, 33b, 34b, 35b), the confirmation message MN is output as audio from the speaker of the audio output device 27 based on control from the control unit 11 as necessary. You may make it make it.

  In the next step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has pressed the “Yes” confirmation button YB on the displayed confirmation menu, that is, whether or not the mouse operation has been selected (YES) (NO). ) If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S4, and if the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S4, based on the control from the control unit 11, the display device 26 and the like are controlled to switch the currently displayed normal operation screen to a mouse dedicated operation screen showing the same operation content. The switching to the mouse-dedicated operation screen is performed with reference to the table stored in the storage area in the HDD 20. Then, this processing flow is “end”.

  On the other hand, in step S5, based on the control from the control unit 11, the display device 26 and the like are controlled so as to maintain the currently displayed normal operation screen. Then, this processing flow is “end”.

  A display example of the mouse-dedicated operation screen switched in step S4 is shown in FIG. 7C to FIG. 11C. In the illustrated example, a pointer PT is displayed in each of the operation screens 31c, 32c, 33c, 34c, and 35c. The pointer PT moves on the operation screen according to the moving direction and the moving amount by moving the body of the mouse 24. For example, when “map enlargement / reduction” is performed (operation screen 32c in FIG. 8C), the pointer PT is placed on the map scale on the left side of the screen, and the wheel WL of the mouse 24 is moved down as shown on the right side in the figure. By rotating in the direction or upward, the scale of the map can be continuously expanded or reduced. When “map scrolling” is performed (the operation screen 33c in FIG. 9C), a desired direction (left and right direction in the illustrated example) among the arrow marks indicating the four types of movement directions displayed on the screen. When the pointer PT is placed on the arrow mark indicating, and the wheel WL of the mouse 24 is rotated upward or downward as shown on the right side in the figure, the map screen can be scrolled to the right or left. it can. When “menu selection” is performed (the operation screen 34c in FIG. 10C), the pointer PT is placed on a desired item among various menu items displayed on the screen, and is shown on the right side in the figure. By pressing the left button LB (decision) of the mouse 24 as described above, the item can be selected. In order to cancel the selection, the right button RB (cancel) of the mouse 24 may be pressed. Similarly, when “character input” is performed (the operation screen 35c in FIG. 11C), a desired character (in the illustrated example, “ The character can be input by placing the pointer PT on the right side and pressing the left button LB (determine) of the mouse 24 as shown on the right side of the drawing. Further, when canceling the character input, the right button RB (cancel) of the mouse 24 may be pressed. Each row can be determined and each column can be selected by rotating the wheel WL of the mouse 24 in the vertical direction.

(Fig. 4: Switching display of operation screen based on mouse operation during normal operation)
The processing shown in FIG. 4 is performed in a state where the normal operation screen is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 (or LCD panel 28b) based on an operation instruction from the operation unit 25 (or touch panel 28a) such as a remote controller. Is assumed to be connected but not yet operated. The normal operation screens at this time are the operation screens 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, and 35a shown in FIG. 7A in each of FIGS.

  In this state, in the first step S11, the control unit 11 determines whether any button of the mouse 24 connected via the USB controller 12 is pressed (YES) or not (NO). . If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S12, and if the determination result is NO, the determination process is repeated.

  In the next step S12, in the same manner as the process performed in step S2 in FIG. 3, a confirmation menu as to whether or not to change from the normal operation to the mouse operation is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 or the like based on the control from the control unit 11. Is displayed. The screens displaying the confirmation menu at this time are the operation screens 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b, and 35b shown in FIG. 7B in each of FIGS.

  In the next step S13, as in the process performed in step S3 in FIG. 3, whether or not the user has pressed the “Yes” confirmation button YB on the displayed confirmation menu in the control unit 11, that is, Then, it is determined whether the mouse operation is selected (YES) or not (NO). If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S14, and if the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S14, in the same manner as the process performed in step S4 of FIG. 3, the display device 26 is controlled to switch the currently displayed normal operation screen to the mouse-dedicated operation screen based on the control from the control unit 11. To do. Then, this processing flow is “end”.

  On the other hand, in step S15, in the same manner as the process performed in step S5 in FIG. 3, control is performed so as to maintain the currently displayed normal operation screen as it is for the display device 26 and the like based on the control from the control unit 11. To do. Then, this processing flow is “end”.

  The mouse-dedicated operation screens switched in step S14 are the operation screens 31c, 32c, 33c, 34c, and 35c shown in (c) in each of FIGS.

(Figure 5: Switching display of operation screen based on normal operation during mouse operation)
The processing shown in FIG. 5 is based on the premise that a mouse-dedicated operation screen is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 (or the LCD panel 28b) based on an operation instruction from the mouse 24. The mouse-specific operation screens at this time correspond to the operation screens 31c, 32c, 33c, 34c, and 35c shown in FIG. 7C in each of FIGS.

  In such a state, in the first step S21, the control unit 11 is arranged on any button for normal operation (for example, any button provided on the operation unit 25 (remote controller, etc.) or on the touch panel 28a. It is determined whether any of the buttons) is pressed (YES) or not (NO). If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S22, and if the determination result is NO, the determination process is repeated.

  In the next step S22, a confirmation menu as to whether or not the mouse operation is changed to the normal operation is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 or the like based on the control from the control unit 11. That is, the user is inquired whether to switch from the current mouse operation to a normal operation using a remote controller, a touch panel, or the like. For example, as in the case of the operation screens 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b, and 35b shown in FIG. 7B to FIG. 7B to FIG. 11B, “Operation method is changed to normal operation” “Yes” and “No” confirmation buttons are respectively displayed along with a confirmation message “Is it?”

  In the next step S23, in the control unit 11, whether or not the user has pressed the “Yes” confirmation button on the displayed confirmation menu, that is, whether or not the normal operation is selected (YES) (NO). Determine whether. If the determination result is yes, the process proceeds to step S24, and if the determination result is no, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S24, based on the control from the control unit 11, the display device 26 and the like are controlled to switch the currently displayed mouse-dedicated operation screen to a normal operation screen showing the same operation content. The normal operation screens at this time correspond to the operation screens 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, and 35a shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 11A, respectively. Then, this processing flow is “end”.

  On the other hand, in step S25, based on the control from the control unit 11, the display device 26 and the like are controlled so as to maintain the currently displayed mouse dedicated operation screen as it is. Then, this processing flow is “end”.

(Figure 6: Display of operation screen based on mouse removal during mouse operation)
The process shown in FIG. 6 is a state in which a mouse-specific operation screen is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 (or LCD panel 28b) based on an operation instruction from the mouse 24, as in the case of the process shown in FIG. Is assumed. The mouse-specific operation screens at this time correspond to the operation screens 31c, 32c, 33c, 34c, and 35c shown in FIG. 7C in each of FIGS.

  In this state, in the first step S31, whether or not the connector CN (FIG. 2) of the mouse 24 is removed from the USB terminal CT in the USB controller 12 based on the control from the control unit 11, that is, the mouse connection is established. It is determined whether it has been removed (YES) or not (NO). If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S32, and if the determination result is NO, the determination process is repeated.

  In the next step S32, a message to change from the mouse operation to the normal operation is displayed on the screen of the display device 26 or the like based on the control from the control unit 11. For example, “Change from mouse operation to normal operation” is displayed.

  In the next step S33, similarly to the process performed in step S24 of FIG. 5, the currently displayed mouse dedicated operation screen is switched to the normal operation screen for the display device 26 and the like based on the control from the control unit 11. Control as follows. The normal operation screens at this time correspond to the operation screens 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, and 35a shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 11A, respectively. Then, this processing flow is “end”.

  As described above, according to the vehicle-mounted navigation device 30 (FIG. 1) according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 11 (including the USB controller 12) detects the connection of the mouse 24 during normal operation, or When any button of the mouse 24 is pressed while the mouse 24 is connected, the normal operation screen currently displayed on the display device 26 (or the LCD panel 28b) shows the same operation content. Switch to the dedicated mouse operation screen.

  As a result, a user (for example, a driver) can operate the mouse 24 with an operation feeling that is usually used as an operation input device of a PC while looking at the dedicated operation screen for the mouse. In other words, compared to conventional joysticks, jog dials, dedicated controllers such as remote controllers and operation panels, and operation input means such as touch panels, various operation instructions related to navigation can be input easily and quickly. it can.

  For example, when “map expansion / reduction” is performed (FIG. 8C), the target map range can be quickly displayed by placing the pointer PT on the desired map scale and rotating the wheel WL of the mouse 24. Can do. In addition, when “map scrolling” is performed (FIG. 9C), since the scrolling is performed in accordance with the rotation of the wheel WL, the time required to find the destination can be shortened. Also, when “menu selection” is performed (FIG. 10 (c)), unlike the conventional case (FIG. 12 (c)), even if the menu selection is wrong, the menu of the upper hierarchy is immediately displayed on the same screen. The target menu can be selected by moving the pointer PT, and when “character input” is performed (FIG. 11C), the pointer PT is placed on the desired character and the left button LB (decision). The character can be input by pressing.

  Since the menu can be selected directly in this way, a quick operation is possible. In particular, in the case of character input, the target character can be selected directly without going through other characters, which is very convenient for the user.

  In addition, since the menu buttons can be made smaller than in the case of the touch panel, a large number of menu buttons can be arranged at a shallow level (higher level).

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the mouse 24 with a USB cable is used has been described as an example. However, the form of the mouse to be used is not limited to this, and a wireless mouse is used. Is also possible. In this case, by connecting a receiving unit that functions as an interface for receiving an operation instruction signal (wireless signal) output from the transmitting unit in the mouse body to the USB terminal CT, the mouse is connected to the receiving unit and the USB. It is electrically connected to the USB controller 12 of the navigation apparatus body 10 via the terminal CT.

  In the above-described embodiment, the HDD 20 is used as a recording medium. However, the form of the recording medium is not limited to this, and other recording such as a DVD drive (DVD-ROM) or a CD drive (CD-ROM). It is also possible to use a medium.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the mode of the attachment or detachment of the mouse | mouth with respect to the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which concerns on the switching display of the operation screen based on the mouse connection at the time of normal operation which the control part performs in the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which concerns on the switching display of the operation screen based on the mouse operation at the time of normal operation which the control part performs in the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which concerns on the switching display of the operation screen based on normal operation at the time of the mouse operation which the control part performs in the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which concerns on the display of the operation screen based on removal of the mouse | mouth at the time of the mouse operation which a control part performs in the apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display which concerns on the switching display of an operation screen (the 1). It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display concerning the switching display of an operation screen (the 2). It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display which concerns on the switching display of the operation screen (the 3). It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display which concerns on the switching display of an operation screen (the 4). It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display which concerns on the switching display of an operation screen (the 5). It is explanatory drawing of the operation method by the present touch panel.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... navigation device body,
11: Control unit (control means),
12 ... USB controller,
20 ... HDD (storage means),
24 ... mouse,
25 ... operation part (operation input means),
26 ... display device (display means),
27 ... Audio output device (audio output means),
28a ... touch panel (operation input means),
28b ... LCD panel (display means),
30 ... In-vehicle navigation device,
31 (a, b, c) to 35 (a, b, c) ... operation screen,
CN ... USB connector,
CT: USB terminal (jack),
LB, RB, WL ... Mouse controls (left button, right button, wheel),
PT ... pointer,
MN ... confirmation message (confirmation menu),
YB, NB ... buttons for confirmation (confirmation menu).

Claims (7)

Display means adapted to display at least an operation screen related to navigation;
Control means operatively connected to the display means;
A mouse that can be communicably connected to the control means,
The on-vehicle navigation device characterized in that the control means controls the display means to display a mouse-specific operation screen when the connection of the mouse is detected. Furthermore, an operation input means for inputting a user instruction based on a touch operation on the screen of the display means or a button operation on a dedicated controller such as a remote controller,
When the control means detects the connection of the mouse while displaying an operation screen corresponding to an operation instruction from the operation input means on the display means, the control means performs an operation dedicated to the mouse on the display means. The in-vehicle navigation device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to switch to a screen.   When the control means detects the connection of the mouse, the control means causes the display means to display a confirmation menu as to whether to change from the normal operation using the operation input means to the mouse operation using the mouse. 3. The vehicle-mounted navigation device according to claim 2, wherein control is performed so as to switch to an operation screen dedicated to a mouse when a confirmation of changing to an operation is detected.   The control means is configured such that when any button of the mouse is operated while the mouse is connected, a mouse operation using the mouse from a normal operation using the operation input means to the display means is performed. 3. A vehicle-mounted navigation system according to claim 2, wherein a confirmation menu as to whether or not to change is displayed, and control is performed to switch to an operation screen dedicated to a mouse when a confirmation of changing to a mouse operation is detected. apparatus. Furthermore, a storage unit is provided that stores a table that associates each of the plurality of operation menus that can be executed by the operation of the mouse with the operation content and at least one of the directionality and the operation amount by the mouse operation,
The control means controls the display means to switch to the operation screen dedicated to the mouse with reference to the contents of the table when detecting confirmation of changing to the mouse operation. The in-vehicle navigation device according to claim 3 or 4. In addition, audio output means operably connected to the control means,
The in-vehicle navigation device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit causes the audio output unit to output the confirmation menu by voice when the display unit displays the confirmation menu.   When the control means detects an operation instruction from the operation input means in a state where the mouse is connected, the control means controls the display means to switch to an operation screen corresponding to the operation instruction. The in-vehicle navigation device according to claim 2.

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