JP2010257076A - Character input method using rotary three-dimensional input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character correction method using a rotary three-dimensional input device, which allows desired characters to be intuitively selected and input. <P>SOLUTION: The character input method using the rotary three-dimensional input device includes steps of: selecting lines containing desired characters among a plurality of lines of the Japanese syllabary chart displayed on a display part 20 on the basis of a horizontal operation to an operation input part 21 using a cursor 208; selecting the desired characters based on rotary operations to the operation input part 21; and determining input of the desired characters by moving the cursor 208 to the other line based on lateral operations to the operation input part 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input method using a rotary / three-dimensional input device that enables a rotary operation, a horizontal operation, and a push operation.

  As a conventional technique, there is provided a display unit that displays on the display screen a reading input unit, a hiragana input unit composed of 50 sound hiragana, and a clear button for clearing the input content of the reading input unit. A navigation device is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  According to this navigation device, since the hiragana of 50 sounds is displayed on the display unit, the user can easily input a desired character by touching the displayed hiragana.

JP 2008-82858 A

  However, the conventional navigation apparatus has a problem that each button is small and difficult to select because all hiragana characters constituting 50 sounds are displayed on the display unit.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a character input method using a rotary three-dimensional input device that can intuitively select and input a desired character.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a step of selecting a line including a desired character with a cursor from a plurality of lines of 50 sounds displayed on a display unit based on a first operation on the operation input unit; Selecting the desired character based on a rotary operation on the unit, and determining the input of the desired character by moving the cursor to another line based on a second operation on the operation input unit And a character input method using a rotary three-dimensional input device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a step of selecting a line including a desired character from a plurality of lines of 50 sounds displayed on a display unit based on an operation on the operation input unit with a cursor, and the operation input unit A character input method using a rotary / three-dimensional input device, the method including: selecting the desired character based on a rotary operation on the device; and determining an input of the desired character based on a push operation on the operation input unit. I will provide a.

  According to the present invention, a desired character can be selected and input intuitively.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a car navigation device that employs a rotary three-dimensional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the car navigation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a display image displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4A to 4D are schematic diagrams relating to a character input method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams relating to a character input method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 8A to 8D are schematic diagrams relating to a character input method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
(Configuration of car navigation system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a car navigation device that employs a rotary / three-dimensional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Below, the car navigation apparatus 2 to which the operation input unit 21 as an example of a rotary / three-dimensional input apparatus is connected will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a center console 10 that is provided in front of the vehicle between a driver seat and a passenger seat and on which various switches and the like are arranged. The center console 10 is provided with a car navigation device 2.

(Configuration of car navigation system)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the car navigation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the car navigation apparatus 2 includes a display unit 20, a storage unit 22, a search unit 23, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 24, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200. Has been. In addition, an operation input unit 21 is connected to the car navigation device 2 as shown in FIG.

  The display part 20 is arrange | positioned at the center console 10, and is comprised from the liquid crystal display, for example.

(Configuration of operation input unit)
The operation input unit 21 is an example of a rotary / three-dimensional input device, and includes an operation knob 210 having a cylindrical shape disposed on the center console 10. The operation knob 210 includes a rotation operation, a push operation, and X and Y axes. Horizontal operation in the direction is possible. The rotation operation is a rotary switch 214 that is linked to the operation knob 210, the push operation is a push switch 213 that detects that the operation knob 210 is pressed, and the horizontal operation is an X that detects the amount of movement of the operation knob 210 on the X axis. An axis sensor 211 and a Y axis sensor 212 for detecting the amount of movement of the Y axis are provided. In the horizontal operation, the operation area and the screen area of the display unit 20 have a one-to-one correspondence, and an absolute input operation can be performed on the screen area. Accordingly, the horizontal operation, the rotation operation, and the push operation can be performed without changing, the operation item on the display unit 20 is selected by the absolute input operation, the set value is adjusted by the rotation operation, and the operation is confirmed by the push operation. A series of operations can be performed seamlessly.

  The operation input unit 21 includes an ECU 21A. The ECU 21A sends an operation signal of an operation performed on the operation knob 210 to the ECU 200 of the car navigation device 2 based on signals output from the X-axis sensor 211, the Y-axis sensor 212, the push switch 213, and the rotary switch 214. Output. The arrangement position of the operation knob 210 is not limited to the center console 10, and may be any position where the operator can easily operate, such as a position where the line of sight movement is small or the vicinity of the armrest.

  The push operation is, for example, an operation of pushing down the operation knob 210 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 1, and the operation knob 210 returns to the state before the push operation by a reaction force by an elastic member (not shown) after the push operation. It is configured. The push switch 213 outputs a signal based on the push operation to the ECU 21A.

  The rotary operation is, for example, an operation of rotating the operation knob 210 in the directions of arrows B and C shown in FIG. The rotary switch 214 outputs a signal based on the rotary operation to the ECU 21A. Here, the arrow B direction is a clockwise direction, and the arrow C direction is a counterclockwise direction.

  The horizontal operation is, for example, an operation of horizontally moving the operation knob 210 in a direction in which a cursor described later displayed on the display unit 20 is desired to be moved.

  Here, for example, the X axis is an axis parallel to the horizontal direction of the display unit 20, and the Y axis is an axis parallel to the vertical direction of the display unit 20, and the rotation center of the operation knob 210 is the center. The origin of the XY coordinate system is used. For example, when the operation knob 210 is operated horizontally, a signal based on the direction or coordinates on the XY coordinate system in which the operation knob 210 is moved is output to the ECU 21A, and the ECU 21A operates the operation signal based on the input signal. The ECU 200 is configured to move a cursor, which will be described later, displayed on the display unit 20 based on the operation signal in the same direction as the operation knob 210 for the duration of the horizontal operation. .

  The storage unit 22 is configured by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a memory, and stores map data, address data, and the like.

  For example, the search unit 23 searches an address or building name of a destination input in an input area, which will be described later, from address data or the like, and calculates a route from the current location to the destination based on the search result.

  The GPS 24 obtains information such as the current location of the vehicle 1 based on a global positioning system using an artificial satellite.

(Configuration of display image)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a display image displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The display image 201 displayed on the display unit 20 is, for example, an input screen for searching for a destination.

  The display unit 20 displays a display image 201 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the display image 201 includes a button group 202, a selection state button 203, a back button 204, an erase button 205, an input area 206 as a character input area, an input correction cursor 207, a cursor 208 and an input character string 209 are schematically configured.

  The button group 202 is used to input a desired character in the input area 206, and mainly includes a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of lines of 50 sounds.

  The selection state button 203 is, for example, a button selected by the cursor 208 and is displayed on the display unit 20 as an icon that is slightly larger than the normal display.

  The return button 204 is, for example, a button that can display an image before displaying the display image 201.

  The delete button 205 is, for example, a button that can delete characters on the input correction cursor 207 displayed in the input area 206 or delete characters on the left side of the input correction cursor 207.

  The input area 206 is an area where characters are input, for example. The input character string 209 input to the input area 206 is, for example, the name of the destination when the cursor 208 is placed on the “complete” button of the button group 202 and the operation knob 210 is pushed. After being determined, the search unit 23 calculates a route from the current location to the destination based on the determined destination name and the current location from the GPS 24.

  The input correction cursor 207 is a cursor that moves in the input area 206.

  The cursor 208 moves in the display image 201 based on, for example, a horizontal operation of the operation knob 210.

  The input character string 209 is a character input to the input area 206.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
4A to 4D are schematic diagrams relating to a character input method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4A to 4D, the left side shows the display image, and the right side shows the operation of the operation knob. In addition, the white arrows shown in the following drawings indicate the directions in which the cursor 208 moves by operating the operation knob 210.

  Hereinafter, a character input method using the operation input unit according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. The case where the character “to” is input to the input character string 209 “Aichiken” input to the input area 206 will be described as an example.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the operator performs a horizontal operation as the first operation on the operation knob 210, and moves the cursor 208 onto the “Ta line” button including a desired character. (S1).

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signals output from the X-axis sensor 211 and the Y-axis sensor 212 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 displays the cursor 208 displayed on the display unit 20 based on the operation signal. The operation knob 210 is moved in the horizontal operation direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the operator performs a rotary operation of the operation knob 210 in the direction of arrow C to select a desired character to be input (S2).

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signal output from the rotary switch 214 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 inputs “TA” based on this operation signal as shown in FIG. The area 206 and the “Ta line” button are displayed. Further, when the rotary operation is continuously performed, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signal output from the rotary switch 214 to the ECU 200 as shown in FIG. Are displayed in the input area 206 and the “ta line” button in order from “ta” to “chi”, “tsu”, “te”, “to”.

  Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the operator performs a horizontal operation as the second operation in the direction of arrow D on the operation knob 210 and moves the cursor to a button other than the “Ta row” button. By moving 208, the input of the character “to” is confirmed (S3), and the character input operation is terminated.

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signals output from the X-axis sensor 211 and the Y-axis sensor 212 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 determines that the character “to” is input based on the operation signal. Determine.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the character input method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to intuitively select and input a desired character.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a character input by a push operation is confirmed. In each embodiment described below, parts having the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are the same, and thus are denoted by common reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

(Operation of Second Embodiment)
FIGS. 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams relating to a character input method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 6A to 6D, the left side shows a display image, and the right side shows operation of the operation knob.

  Hereinafter, a character input method using the operation input unit according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. The case where the character “to” is input to the input character string 209 “Aichiken” input to the input area 206 will be described as an example.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6A, the operator performs a horizontal operation on the operation knob 210 to move the cursor 208 onto the “Ta line” button including a desired character (S20).

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signals output from the X-axis sensor 211 and the Y-axis sensor 212 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 displays the cursor 208 displayed on the display unit 20 based on the operation signal. The operation knob 210 is moved in the horizontal operation direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the operator performs a rotary operation of the operation knob 210 in the direction of arrow C to select a desired character to be input (S21).

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signal output from the rotary switch 214 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 inputs “TA” based on this operation signal as shown in FIG. 6B. It is displayed in the area 206 and the “Ta line” button. Further, when the rotary operation is continuously performed, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signal output from the rotary switch 214 to the ECU 200. The ECU 200, as shown in FIG. Are displayed in the input area 206 and the “ta line” button in order from “ta” to “chi”, “tsu”, “te”, “to”.

  Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 6D, the operator performs a push operation on the operation knob 210 to confirm the input of the characters “TO” (S22), and ends the character input operation. .

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signal output from the push switch 213 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 determines the character “TO” as the input character based on the operation signal.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the character input method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to intuitively select and input a desired character.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the amount of rotary operation when selecting a desired character can be reduced.

  In the button group 202 according to the present embodiment, a button indicating “Akasana ...” or the like is simplified by deleting the characters “line” as compared to the buttons according to the first and second embodiments. Yes. In the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, for example, “A” is displayed on the button, and the input is performed when the operator moves the cursor to the “A” button. “A” is displayed on the area 206 and the button, and “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O” are displayed in order by a rotary operation to select a desired character. Anyway.

(Operation of the third embodiment)
8A to 8D are schematic diagrams relating to a character input method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 8A to 8D, the left side shows the display image, and the right side shows the operation of the operation knob.

  Hereinafter, a character input method using the operation input unit according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to each drawing and according to a flowchart shown in FIG. The case where the character “to” is input to the input character string 209 “Aichiken” input to the input area 206 will be described as an example.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the operator performs a horizontal operation on the operation knob 210 to move the cursor 208 onto the “TA” button including a desired character (S30).

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signals output from the X-axis sensor 211 and the Y-axis sensor 212 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 displays the cursor 208 displayed on the display unit 20 based on the operation signal. The operation knob 210 is moved in the horizontal operation direction. Subsequently, the ECU 200 displays “ta” in the input area 206 as shown in FIG. That is, when a line button is selected by the cursor 208, the ECU 200 displays the first character of the selected line in the input area 206 of the display unit 20 and the selected button. Therefore, when the desired character is the first character, the operator can confirm the input of the desired character without selecting the desired character based on the rotary operation.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the operator performs a rotary operation of the operation knob 210 in the direction of arrow C to select a desired character to be input (S31).

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signal output from the rotary switch 214 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 selects “Chi” based on this operation signal as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. ”,“ Tsu ”,“ te ”,“ to ”are displayed in the order in the input area 206 and the“ ta ”button.

  Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 8D, the operator performs a push operation on the operation knob 210 to confirm the input of the characters “TO” (S32), and ends the character input operation. .

  At this time, the ECU 21A outputs an operation signal based on the signal output from the push switch 213 to the ECU 200, and the ECU 200 determines the character “TO” as the input character based on the operation signal.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
According to the character input method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to intuitively select and input a desired character. Further, by moving the cursor 208 onto the button, the first character of the line can be selected, so that the operation amount of the rotary operation can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from or changing the technical idea of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the input of the characters “Ta line” has been described, but the same applies to the input of characters in other lines. The button group 202 is not limited to the above example, and may include a button for inputting numbers, an alphabet button, and the like.

  In addition, characters can be selected by rotary operation, for example, “ta”, “da”, “chi”, etc. “,” “I”, “i”,...

  Further, for example, in each of the embodiments described above, characters are input by the operation input unit 21, but the present invention is not limited to this, and based on a gesture for a touch pad including a non-contact sensor. The cursor and the input correction cursor may be moved by detecting a rotary operation, a push operation, and a tilting operation.

  For example, the operation input unit 21 can perform a push operation, but a push button may be provided separately.

  For example, the operation knob 210 may be configured to be tiltable with respect to the panel surface to which the operation knob 210 is attached.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the character input method using the rotary / three-dimensional input device has been described by taking the car navigation device as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an electronic device such as a car audio device that requires character input. Applicable to equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 2 ... Car navigation apparatus, 10 ... Center console, 20 ... Display part, 21 ... Operation input part, 21A ... ECU, 22 ... Memory | storage part, 23 ... Search part, 24 ... GPS, 200 ... ECU, 201 ... Display image 202 ... Button group 203 ... Selection state button 204 ... Back button 205 ... Erase button 206 ... Input area 207 ... Input correction cursor 208 ... Cursor ... 209 ... Input character string 210 ... Control knob 211 ... X-axis sensor, 212 ... Y-axis sensor, 213 ... push switch, 214 ... rotary switch

Claims (4)

Selecting a line including a desired character with a cursor from a plurality of lines of 50 sounds displayed on the display unit based on a first operation on the operation input unit;
Selecting the desired character based on a rotary operation on the operation input unit;
Confirming the input of the desired character by moving the cursor to another line based on a second operation on the operation input unit;
Input method using a rotary three-dimensional input device. Selecting a line including a desired character with a cursor from a plurality of lines of 50 sounds displayed on the display unit based on an operation on the operation input unit;
Selecting the desired character based on a rotary operation on the operation input unit;
Confirming the input of the desired character based on a push operation on the operation input unit;
Input method using a rotary three-dimensional input device.   The step of selecting a line including the desired character with a cursor includes a step of displaying the first character of the selected line on the display unit, and when the desired character is the first character, The character input method using the rotary / three-dimensional input device according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the input of the desired character is performed without performing the step of selecting the desired character based on a rotary operation.   The character input method using the rotary / three-dimensional input device according to claim 1, wherein the rotary / three-dimensional input device includes an operation knob that enables a horizontal operation, a tilt operation, the rotary operation, and the push operation.

Images