JP4159420B2 - Map scroll control device and navigation device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a map scroll control device and a navigation device, and is particularly suitable for use in a device for controlling an operation when scrolling a map display in a navigation device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in-vehicle navigation devices detect the current position of a vehicle using a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, or the like, read out map data in the vicinity of the vehicle, and display it on a screen. Then, a vehicle position mark indicating the vehicle position is superimposed and displayed at a predetermined location on the screen, so that it can be seen at a glance where the vehicle is currently traveling.
[0003]
In this type of navigation device, the map displayed on the navigation screen can be arbitrarily scrolled by the user operating a scroll key or a joystick of a remote controller (remote controller). Such map scrolling is performed when the point indicated by the cursor is set as a route search destination or relay point, or when a desired facility is searched on the map screen.
[0004]
In the case of map scrolling using a joystick, map scrolling can be performed by tilting the joystick in an arbitrary direction. Specifically, the scroll direction is determined in the direction in which the joystick is tilted, and scrolling is continued by continuously tilting the joystick. As described above, in the conventional map scroll method, it is necessary to continue to push down the joystick in the direction in which the user wants to scroll.
[0005]
However, in such a map scroll using a joystick, it is difficult to perform a scroll operation in the direction intended by the user, and the direction desired by the user as an image matches the scroll direction actually determined by operating the joystick. There are things that do not. Therefore, it is necessary to visually check the display screen and the joystick to check the scroll direction one by one, and the operation during driving is very difficult.
[0006]
In contrast, a turn knob that can be rotated and pushed in the left and right direction is prepared, the map scroll direction is determined according to the operation of turning the turn knob to the left and right, and the map is controlled according to the operation of holding the turn knob. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241170
In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the map on the screen is scrolled in the direction determined by the rotation of the turn knob. For example, when the user turns the turn knob to indicate the lower right direction, the map scrolls in the lower right direction by continuously pressing the turn knob.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the map is scrolled in any direction, it becomes difficult to intuitively know which direction on the map the scroll is being performed. In particular, when you want to scroll while turning in various directions to find the target point, it is difficult to know which direction to turn and scroll, and it is difficult to find the target point easily was there.
[0009]
That is, when viewing a map on a paper medium, for a user who can only read the map while turning it so that the traveling direction is always upward, the traveling direction of the vehicle is always upward during normal travel guidance. Navigation devices that can be displayed on the screen are becoming indispensable. However, when the map is scrolled, the map scrolls in all directions, so it makes little sense to use a navigation device (the only difference is that you are looking at a map of an electronic medium, not a map of a paper medium). There was a problem that scrolling was difficult to understand.
[0010]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to make map scrolling intuitive and easy to understand.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, the first operation information related to the scroll direction instruction is input to rotate and display the map on the screen, thereby setting the desired scroll direction and then scrolling. The second operation information related to the execution instruction is input, and the map on the screen is scroll-displayed in one fixed direction. For example, first, the first operation information is input and the map is rotated, so that the desired scroll direction is set at the top of the screen. Thereafter, the map is scrolled upward by inputting the second operation information.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the navigation device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device of this embodiment includes a display device 1, a display control unit 2, an operator 3, an operation information input unit 4, a navigation microcomputer 5, and a map DB (database) 6. Yes.
[0013]
The display device 1 is a display device for displaying a map image read from the map DB 6 on the screen, and is configured by, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device). The display control unit 2 performs display control of the map image on the display device 1. Details of the operation relating to the display control will be described later.
[0014]
The operation element 3 allows the user to set various types of information (for example, a destination of the guidance route) to the navigation device, and various operations (for example, menu selection operation, enlargement / reduction operation, manual map scrolling, numerical value input) Etc.) is an input device. In the present embodiment, in particular, it is possible to perform an instruction input relating to the direction in which the map should be scrolled on the screen of the display device 1 and an instruction input relating to the execution of scrolling, which are configured as shown in FIG.
[0015]
The operating element 3 shown in FIG. 2 is a rotary switch configured to be able to perform at least a left / right rotation operation and a forward movement operation. Here, the left / right rotation operation corresponds to an operation for instructing the navigation device in the direction to be scrolled. Further, the forward movement operation corresponds to an operation for instructing the navigation device to execute scrolling.
[0016]
The operation information input unit 4 inputs various operation information generated by the operation of the operation element 3 and supplies it to the navigation microcomputer 5. In the present embodiment, in particular, the first operation information related to the scroll direction instruction (operation information generated by the left and right rotation operation of the operation element 3) and the second operation information related to the scroll execution instruction (front of the operation element 3). The operation information generated by the movement operation to is input from the operation element 3.
[0017]
The navigation microcomputer 5 controls the entire navigation device. In the present embodiment, in particular, the display control unit 2 is controlled based on the operation information related to the scroll supplied from the operation information input unit 4 to control the execution of the map scroll. At this time, the map data is read from the map DB 6 and supplied to the display control unit 2 as necessary. The map DB 6 is a map recording medium that stores various types of map data necessary for map display, route search, and the like, and is configured by, for example, a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, and the like.
[0018]
The above-described display control unit 2 rotates the map on the display screen based on the first operation information and controls the scroll display of the map on the display screen in one fixed direction based on the second operation information. I do. This display control part 2 comprises the map rotation means and scroll means of the present invention.
[0019]
Next, the operation of map scroll control by the navigation device configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the map scroll control. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen display example of the map scroll. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0020]
In FIG. 3, the navigation microcomputer 5 monitors whether or not the first operation information related to the event of the left rotation or the right rotation of the operation element 3 is input from the operation information input unit 4 (step S1). When the first operation information related to the left / right rotation is input, the navigation microcomputer 5 controls the display control unit 2 to rotate the map image displayed on the display device 1 by an amount corresponding to the operation amount of the operator 3. (Step S2).
[0021]
For example, in a state where a map image as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the display device 1, when the user rotates the operator 3 to the left by a desired amount, the map image is left according to the rotation amount. Rotate in the direction as shown in FIG. At this time, the user may rotate the operation element 3 until the direction in which the user wants to scroll is located above the display screen.
[0022]
Further, the navigation microcomputer 5 monitors whether or not second operation information related to an event of forward movement of the operation element 3 is input from the operation information input unit 4 (step S3). When the second operation information related to the forward movement is input, the navigation microcomputer 5 reads the map data that continues on the upper part of the screen from the map DB 6 and supplies it to the display control unit 2, and instructs the display control unit 2 to scroll.
[0023]
In response to this, the display control unit 2 scrolls the map image displayed on the display device 1 forward (upward on the screen) as shown in FIG. 4C (step S4). Steps S3 and S4 are a loop process, and the forward scrolling operation is continuously performed while the operation element 3 is moved forward. When the forward movement operation of the operator 3 is stopped, the loop process is terminated and the process returns to step S1.
[0024]
As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, the operator 3 is rotated left and right to rotate the map on the display screen to the left and right, thereby setting the desired scroll direction and then moving the operator 3 forward. Scrolling forward is performed by performing an operation.
[0025]
Thereby, scroll direction selection and scroll execution can be realized with a very simple operation. In addition, since scrolling is always performed forward (upward of the display screen), even a person who is not good at reading a map can perform scrolling intuitively and easily.
[0026]
Further, since scrolling is always performed only forward, map data prefetched in a memory (not shown) for scroll display only needs to be forward. When scrolling is performed in all directions as in the prior art, for example, when scrolling in the lower right direction, the map data to be pre-read in the memory is the lower right direction, the right direction, At least map data in the downward direction is required. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, it is only necessary to prefetch only the map data ahead, so that the processing load can be reduced and the scroll speed can be increased.
[0027]
In the process of step S4 in FIG. 3, it is possible not only to scroll the map forward, but also to accept an operation of rotating the map left and right while scrolling forward. The processing content of step S4 in that case is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0028]
In FIG. 5, the display control part 2 scrolls the map image currently displayed on the display apparatus 1 ahead (step S11). Next, the navigation microcomputer 5 determines whether or not a left rotation or a right rotation operation has been performed in a state where the operation element 3 is moved forward. 4 is determined based on whether or not the input has been made from 4 (step S12).
[0029]
When the first operation information related to the left / right rotation is input, the navigation microcomputer 5 controls the display control unit 2 to rotate the map image displayed on the display device 1 by an amount corresponding to the operation amount of the operator 3. (Step S13). When the left and right rotation operations are not performed, the process returns to step S13 without performing the process of step S13, and returns to step S3 in FIG.
[0030]
In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the left and right rotation operations are received while the operation element 3 is moved forward, the right and left direction correction can be appropriately added while scrolling forward. For example, when searching for a target point while scrolling in various directions or scrolling while turning along the road shape, always change the scroll direction appropriately with a very simple operation. You can scroll the map in a way that is intuitive and easy to understand.
[0031]
By the way, if the map is rotated to the left or right by the left and right rotation of the operation element 3, there is a possibility that it is difficult to know which direction the host vehicle is facing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the main window 12 and the auxiliary window 13 are displayed on the display screen 11, the map image to be scrolled is displayed on the main window 12, and the traveling direction of the own vehicle is displayed on the auxiliary window 13. You may do it.
[0032]
In the example of FIG. 6, the auxiliary window 13 displays the vehicle position mark 14 on a simple Japan map and the traveling direction of the vehicle by an arrow 15. The display of the auxiliary window 13 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a map of a wider area than the map displayed on the main window 12 may be displayed, and the vehicle position mark and the traveling direction arrow may be displayed on the wide area map. Further, the map image before rotation (for example, the map of FIG. 4A) may be reduced and displayed.
[0033]
In the above-described embodiment, the execution of scrolling is instructed by moving the operation element 3 forward. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which instruct | indicates execution of a scroll by performing the movement operation (push operation) which pushes down the operation element 3 below. In short, it is only necessary that the rotation of the map and the forward scrolling can be performed by different types of operations.
[0034]
Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example using a rotary switch like FIG. 2 as the operation element 3, it is not limited to this. For example, a conventional joystick may be used. When using a joystick, it is possible to rotate the map left and right according to a left / right movement (tilt) operation and to scroll the map forward according to a forward tilt operation. For example, the map may be continuously rotated left and right while the joystick is tilted left and right, and the map may be scrolled while the joystick is tilted forward.
[0035]
In addition, you may comprise so that rotation and scroll of a map can be instruct | indicated with the operation button provided on the remote control or the touch panel. However, when the rotary switch as shown in FIG. 2 is used, the operation method and the movement of the map on the screen correspond to each other, so that the scroll operation can be intuitively easily understood. In addition, it is preferable to use a rotary switch because it is particularly easy to operate when scrolling while changing the direction as appropriate.
[0036]
Moreover, although the example which performs map scroll ahead (upward of a screen) was demonstrated in the said embodiment, if it always scrolls to one fixed direction, it will not be restricted to the front. However, since scrolling forward is easier to understand, scrolling in the other direction is preferable.
[0037]
In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention configured as described above, scroll direction selection and scroll execution can be realized by a very simple operation. In addition, since scrolling is always performed in a fixed direction (for example, the upper part of the screen), even a person who is not good at reading a map can perform scrolling intuitively and easily. Further, since the scrolling is always performed in one fixed direction, the map data to be pre-read in the memory for scroll display only needs to be in one direction, and the processing load of the scroll can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a navigation device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operator according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of map scroll control according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example of a map scroll according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a map forward scroll process;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the map scroll screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display apparatus 2 Display control part 3 Operator 4 Operation information input part 5 Navi microcomputer 6 Map DB
11 Display Screen 12 Main Window 13 Auxiliary Window 14 Own Vehicle Position Mark 15 Traveling Direction Arrow

Claims (3)

Map rotation means for inputting first operation information relating to a scroll direction instruction and rotating and displaying a map on the screen based on the first operation information;
Scrolling means comprising scroll means for inputting second operation information relating to the scroll execution instruction and scrolling and displaying the map on the screen in one fixed direction based on the second operation information. Control device. A display device for displaying a map image on the screen;
An operator for performing an instruction input regarding a direction to be scrolled and an instruction input regarding execution of scrolling on the map displayed on the screen of the display device;
Operation information input means for inputting first operation information related to the scroll direction instruction and second operation information related to the scroll execution instruction from the operator;
Display that rotates and displays a map on the screen of the display device based on the first operation information, and scrolls and displays the map on the screen of the display device in a fixed direction based on the second operation information. A navigation device comprising control means. The operating element is a rotary type operating element configured to be capable of performing a left / right rotating operation and a moving operation in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction, and relates to the scrolling direction by the left / right rotating operation. 3. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the navigation apparatus is configured to input instructions and to input instructions related to execution of the scroll by a movement operation in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction.

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