JP4526880B2 - In-vehicle unit device and operation method using touch panel - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an on-vehicle unit device and an operation method using a touch panel, and is suitable for use in, for example, a center unit device that controls operations on an on-vehicle navigation device or an audio device.

  Conventionally, as a vehicle-mounted electronic device, a navigation device, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MD that allows a driver to easily reach a desired destination by performing vehicle travel guidance. Audio devices such as (Mini Disc), cassette tapes, radio broadcasts and the like for reproducing sound are provided. There is also provided a center unit device that comprehensively controls these navigation devices and audio devices.

Most conventional center unit devices have various operation keys for controlling audio operations mechanically or physically attached to the housing of the center unit device (hereinafter referred to as hard key buttons). It was. However, this restricts the size of the display panel in order to secure a space for key arrangement. Therefore, an apparatus has been proposed in which an operation menu necessary for audio operation is displayed on a display screen at the time of navigation operation, and various operation keys for audio are realized as soft key buttons of a touch panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
JP 2004-132741 A

In both the case of the conventional hard key button and the soft key button as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to watch the operation key when the driver performs the operation. However, it is not preferable to keep an eye on the operation keys during operation because of safety problems, and there is a problem that operations during operation are substantially difficult. In order to solve such a problem, a car audio device that can control an audio operation sensuously without gazing at the screen by instructing an operation based on trajectory data input from the touch panel by a touch operation. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-140820 A

  However, the device described in Patent Document 2 is an audio-only device and does not consider any cooperation with the navigation device. Therefore, the audio operation cannot be controlled by the method described in Patent Document 2 during the navigation operation. That is, when a predetermined touch operation is performed during the navigation operation, the navigation operation is controlled such as scrolling the map screen, and the audio operation cannot be controlled.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and in an in-vehicle unit device capable of controlling the operation of functions related to a plurality of sources such as a navigation function and an audio playback function, an operation is performed when a certain function is operated. The purpose is to be able to control the operation of other functions sensuously without gazing at the keys.

To solve the problems described above, in the present invention, during operation of the navigation function, when the first predetermined operation is performed at any location on the display screen is a touch panel, the display related to the navigation function The display state of the screen remains unchanged, and the operation input mode related to the audio playback function is changed. In the operation input mode, the second display is performed at an arbitrary location on the display screen or an arbitrary location on the display screen. When a predetermined operation is performed, an operation corresponding to the operation is controlled.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the soft key button is not displayed on the display screen, and the display state related to the navigation function is determined by performing the first predetermined operation at an arbitrary place on the screen. The operation input mode related to the audio playback function can be shifted as it is. Therefore, the driver can change the operation input mode sensuously without paying attention to the display screen. In addition, even after the operation input mode is changed, the soft key button is not displayed on the display screen, and the second predetermined predetermined point is displayed at an arbitrary position on the screen or an arbitrary area on the display screen. By performing the operation, it is possible to control the operation related to the audio playback function while maintaining the display state related to the navigation function. Therefore, the driver can control the operation of the audio playback function sensuously without paying attention to the display screen. In addition, the operations of a plurality of functions can be controlled by operations on the display screen, and the burden on the user when controlling the operations of the functions can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an in-vehicle system including an in-vehicle unit device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle system of the present embodiment is configured by connecting a navigation device 20 and an audio device 30 to a center unit device 10 corresponding to the in-vehicle unit device of the present invention.

  The navigation device 20 allows a driver to easily reach a desired destination by performing vehicle travel guidance, and uses a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, or the like. The current position is detected, map data in the vicinity thereof is read from the recording medium and displayed on the screen. Then, the 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.

  The audio device 30 reproduces various sounds such as CD, DVD, MD, cassette tape, and radio broadcast. The center unit device 10 controls the navigation device 20 and the audio device 30 in an integrated manner. The center unit device 10 includes a touch panel screen 1 and a power switch 4 using hard key buttons. The touch panel screen 1 will be described later.

  Here, the center unit device 10, the navigation device 20, and the audio device 30 have been described as separate units and connected to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the center unit device 10 may include the functions of the navigation device 20 and the audio device 30, and may be configured as an integrated center unit device 10 including a navigation function and an audio playback function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the center unit device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the center unit device 10 of this embodiment includes a touch panel screen 1, a touch panel controller 2, and a microcomputer (microcomputer) 3.

  The touch panel screen 1 is configured by providing a touch panel 1a on the front surface of the display panel 1b and a vibration panel 1c (corresponding to vibration generating means of the present invention) that generates vibration on the back surface of the display panel 1b. Here, the vibration of the vibration panel 1c is transmitted to the touch panel 1a via the display panel 1b.

  The touch panel controller 2 detects the coordinates on the touch panel 1a touched by the user, and outputs them to the microcomputer 3 as coordinate information. Here, in order to detect whether or not the user touches the touch panel 1a, for example, a resistance film method or an infrared method is used.

  The touch panel controller 2 continues to output corresponding coordinate information to the microcomputer 3 while the touch panel 1a is being touched. For example, when the user single-clicks the touch panel 1a, the coordinate information of the touched position is output once. When the user double-clicks the touch panel 1a, the coordinate information of the touched position is intermittently output twice. Further, when the user performs an operation of tracing the touch panel 1a, a plurality of coordinate information corresponding to the traced position is continuously output. Furthermore, when the user keeps touching one part of the touch panel 1a for a predetermined time, the coordinate information corresponding to the touched position is continuously output while being touched.

  Based on the coordinate information output from the touch panel controller 2, the microcomputer 3 determines whether the first operation input mode for operating the navigation device 20 or the second operation input mode for operating the audio device 30. Further, the microcomputer 3 determines what operation is performed at which location on the touch panel 1 a based on the coordinate information output from the touch panel controller 2. Then, a device control signal corresponding to the determined operation content is output to the electronic device (navigation device 20 or audio device 30) to be operated.

  Moreover, the microcomputer 3 vibrates the touch panel 1a integrally attached via the display panel 1b by vibrating the vibration panel 1c when some operation is performed with respect to the touch panel 1a. When the user performs an operation of tracing the touch panel 1a, the movement distance of the touch position is detected based on a plurality of coordinate information continuously output from the touch panel controller 2, and vibration is generated once every predetermined distance. . The vibration pattern may be changed for each type of operation. Then, according to the vibration pattern fed back to the user from the touch panel 1a, it is possible to sensuously confirm what operation has been performed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the microcomputer 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer 3 of the present embodiment includes a mode change unit 11, an operation control unit 12, and a data storage unit 13 as functional configurations. The microcomputer 3 actually includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and the functions described above are realized by the CPU performing various controls according to programs stored in the ROM and the RAM. The The RAM temporarily stores data obtained during the execution of the program and data obtained as a result of the execution.

  When the function of the navigation device 20 is operated (when the first operation input mode is set), the mode change unit 11 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer at any place on the touch panel 1a (first predetermined input according to the present invention). It is determined whether or not (equivalent to the operation) has been performed, and when the long press operation is performed, the mode is shifted to the second operation input mode related to the function of the audio device 30. Conversely, when setting the second operation input mode, it is determined whether or not a long press for a predetermined time or longer has been performed at an arbitrary place on the touch panel 1a. Transition to operation input mode. Information on the set operation input mode is stored, for example, in the above-described RAM.

  In the first operation input mode or the second operation input mode, the operation control unit 12 is predetermined at an arbitrary place on the touch panel 1a or an arbitrary place on an area obtained by dividing the touch panel 1a into n parts (for example, two parts). It is determined whether or not an operation (corresponding to a second predetermined operation in the present invention) has been performed, and when the predetermined operation is performed, a device control signal corresponding to the operation content is sent to the electronic device to be operated (Navigation device 20 or audio device 30).

  The data storage unit 13 stores table information in which the type of operation input mode, the type of operation content, and the type of operation control are associated with each other. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage example of the table information. In FIG. 4, the record denoted by reference numeral 41 scrolls the map screen in the arbitrary direction by the operation amount when an operation of tracing the touch panel 1 a in an arbitrary direction is performed in the first operation input mode. Indicates that the operation is to be performed.

  The record denoted by reference numeral 42 indicates that an audio fast-forward operation is performed when an operation of tracing the touch panel 1a from left to right is performed at an arbitrary place on the touch panel 1a in the second operation input mode. ing. The record denoted by reference numeral 43 indicates that an audio rewinding operation is performed when an operation of tracing the touch panel 1a from right to left is performed at an arbitrary place on the touch panel 1a in the second operation input mode. Show. The record indicated by reference numeral 44 stops the fast-forwarding operation or the rewinding operation when an arbitrary place on the touch panel 1a is touched during the fast-forwarding operation or the rewinding operation in the second operation input mode. It shows that

  In addition, the record indicated by reference numeral 45 is displayed when an arbitrary place is touched on one area (for example, the right area) obtained by dividing the touch panel 1a into two (for example, right and left) in the second operation input mode. This shows that an audio track-up operation is performed. Also, the record denoted by reference numeral 46 indicates that the audio track down operation is performed when an arbitrary place on the other area (for example, the left area) of the touch panel 1a is touched in the second operation input mode. Indicates what to do.

  The record denoted by reference numeral 47 indicates that in the second operation input mode, when an operation of tracing the touch panel 1a from the bottom to the top is performed at an arbitrary place on the touch panel 1a, an audio volume up operation is performed. Show. The record denoted by reference numeral 48 indicates that in the second operation input mode, an audio volume down operation is performed when an operation of tracing the touch panel 1a from the top to the bottom is performed at an arbitrary position on the touch panel 1a. Show.

  Next, the operation of the center unit apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the center unit device 10. In FIG. 5, immediately after the center unit device 10 is turned on, the function of the navigation device 20 is executed as a default, and a map image is displayed on the touch panel screen 1. Further, immediately after the power is turned on, the first operation input mode is set in the RAM as a default (step S1). The first operation input mode is an operation input mode related to the navigation device 20.

  Next, the mode change unit 11 of the microcomputer 3 determines whether or not a long press operation for a predetermined time or longer has been performed at an arbitrary position on the touch panel 1a (step S2), and when the long press operation has been performed. Changes the setting of the operation input mode (step S3). For example, when a long press operation is performed in a state where the first operation input mode is set, the second operation input mode is set in the RAM. The second operation input mode is an operation input mode related to the audio device 30. As described above, even if the mode is changed to the second operation input mode, the function of the navigation device 20 is continuously executed, and the map image is continuously displayed on the touch panel screen 1.

  In this state, the operation control unit 12 of the microcomputer 3 determines whether or not any operation has been performed on the touch panel 1a (step S4). Here, it is determined whether or not coordinate information is input from the touch panel controller 2. If no coordinate information is input, the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, when coordinate information is input, the operation content is determined based on the input coordinate information, operation input mode information set in the RAM, and a table stored in the data storage unit 13. Based on the information, the operation control content corresponding to the operation content is determined (step S5).

  The microcomputer 3 vibrates the vibration panel 1c according to the determined operation content (step S6), and then transmits a device control signal corresponding to the determined operation control content to the electronic device (navigation device 20 or audio device) to be operated. 30) (step S7).

  After the device control signal is output and the operation control of the target device is executed, the process returns to step S2 to monitor whether or not the long press operation has been performed again. In addition, after execution of the operation control in step S7, the process may return to step S1 instead of step S2. When returning to step S2, the operation input mode is changed every time a long press is performed, whereas when returning to step S1, the predetermined operation is performed in the second operation input mode. Then, it automatically returns to the first operation input mode.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, when a function of the navigation device 20 is operated, when a long press operation is performed at an arbitrary position on the display screen configured by the touch panel 1a, the audio is displayed. Transition to the second operation input mode related to the function of the device 30 is made. In the second operation input mode, the soft key button is not displayed on the display screen on which the map image is displayed, and an arbitrary place on the display screen or an arbitrary area on the display screen is divided into two. When a predetermined operation is performed at the place, the operation corresponding to the operation is controlled.

  Thus, by performing a long press operation at an arbitrary place on the display screen, it is possible to make a transition to the operation input mode related to the audio playback function without changing the map display state of the navigation screen. Therefore, the driver can change the operation input mode sensuously without paying attention to the display screen. Even after the operation input mode is changed, the soft key button is not displayed on the display screen, and the operation related to the audio playback function can be controlled by performing a predetermined operation at any place on the display screen. Can do. Therefore, the driver can control the audio operation sensuously without gazing at the display screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, the long pressing operation for a predetermined time or more has been described as an example of the operation method when changing the operation input mode, but the first predetermined operation is not limited to this. Moreover, although several examples were given as a 2nd predetermined operation after changing to a 2nd operation input mode, it is not limited to this. Any operation method that can be distinguished from each other in order to instruct different operations can be arbitrarily applied.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which changes an operation control content according to which area | region is touched by dividing a display screen into 2 parts, it is not limited to 2 divisions. However, if the number of divisions is excessively large, it is necessary to watch the display screen during operation. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of divisions is not so large.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the operation of the audio reproduction function is controlled in the background while the map display on the navigation screen is left as it is when the navigation function is executed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the audio playback function is executed, the operation of the navigation function may be controlled in the background while the display of the audio screen (for example, a television image) is left as it is.

  In the above embodiment, the navigation device 20 and the audio device 30 are described as examples of operation target devices, but the operation target devices are not limited to these. For example, other in-vehicle electronic devices such as a hands-free device and an air conditioner may be used. That is, for example, when the navigation function is executed, it is possible to control the hands-free call function and the operation of the air conditioner in the background while leaving the map display on the navigation screen as it is.

  In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of actualization 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.

  The present invention is useful for a center unit device capable of comprehensively controlling operations of a plurality of in-vehicle electronic devices.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the vehicle-mounted system containing the vehicle-mounted unit apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows the principal part structural example of the center unit apparatus by this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the microcomputer by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the table information memorize | stored in the data storage part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the center unit apparatus by this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Touch panel screen 1a Touch panel 1b Display panel 1c Vibration panel 2 Touch panel controller 3 Microcomputer 10 Center unit apparatus 11 Mode change part 12 Operation control part 13 Data storage part 20 Navigation apparatus 30 Audio apparatus

Claims (8)

In the in- vehicle unit device that can control the operation of multiple functions ,
During the operation of the navigation function, it is determined whether or not the first predetermined operation has been performed at an arbitrary place on the display screen configured by the touch panel, and when the first predetermined operation is performed, Mode change means for making a transition to the operation input mode of the audio playback function without changing the display state of the display screen related to the navigation function ;
In the operation input mode of the audio playback function, it is determined whether or not a second predetermined operation has been performed at an arbitrary location on the display screen or an arbitrary location on an area obtained by dividing the display screen into n, An in-vehicle unit device comprising: an operation control unit configured to control an operation according to the second predetermined operation when the second predetermined operation is performed. The operation control means controls the fast-forwarding operation of audio when the second predetermined operation is an operation of tracing the touch panel from left to right at an arbitrary place on the display screen. The in-vehicle unit device according to claim 1 , wherein when an operation of tracing the touch panel from right to left is performed at an arbitrary place on the screen, an audio rewinding operation is controlled. The operation control means is configured to perform the fast-forward operation or the rewind operation when an arbitrary place on the display screen is touched as the second predetermined operation during execution of the fast-forward operation or the rewind operation. The in-vehicle unit device according to claim 2 , wherein the in-vehicle unit device is stopped. The operation control means controls, as the second predetermined operation, an audio track-up operation when an arbitrary place on one area obtained by dividing the display screen into two is touched, and the display screen is displayed. when any location in 2 divided other region is touched, the vehicle-mounted unit according to claim 1, characterized in that to control the track down operation of the audio. The operation control means controls an audio volume-up operation when an operation of tracing the touch panel from the bottom to the top at an arbitrary place on the display screen is performed as the second predetermined operation. when the tracing operation from above the touch panel anywhere on the display screen to the bottom has been made, the vehicle-mounted unit according to claim 1, characterized in that controlling the volume-down operation of the audio. According to any one of claim 1 to 5, wherein, further comprising a vibration generating means for vibrating the touch panel when said first predetermined operation or the second predetermined operation is performed In-vehicle unit device. An operation method using a touch panel in an in-vehicle unit device capable of controlling operations of a plurality of functions ,
During operation of the navigation function, it is determined whether or not the first predetermined operation has been performed at an arbitrary place on the display screen configured by the touch panel, and when the first predetermined operation is performed, A step of transitioning to an operation input mode of the audio playback function without changing the display state of the display screen related to the navigation function ;
In the operation input mode of the audio playback function, it is determined whether or not a second predetermined operation has been performed at an arbitrary location on the display screen or an arbitrary location on an area obtained by dividing the display screen into n, And a step of controlling an operation according to the second predetermined operation when the second predetermined operation is performed. The operation method using a touch panel according to claim 7 , further comprising a step of vibrating the touch panel when the first predetermined operation or the second predetermined operation is performed.

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