JP4982158B2 - Input device and its menu display method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device.

  There is an input device that accepts input contents from a user by presenting menu items (options) and selecting them from among them (see Patent Document 1). Such an input device is used for information equipment such as an in-vehicle navigation device. For example, the input device displays a plurality of menu items as the top menu, and allows the user to select one of the menu items. Then, a detailed menu item related to the selected item is further displayed and selected. That is, the input device prepares menu items in a hierarchical structure, and finally accepts specific input contents by causing the menu items to be selected in order from the top menu items.

JP 2003-241784 A

  In the conventional technique, in order to search for a target menu item, it is necessary to always go from a menu item in a higher hierarchy. In this case, the target menu item may not be reached quickly. For example, when there are many menu items, it is unclear to which higher-level menu item the final target menu item is classified. Therefore, the user does not know how to get to the target menu item, and has to do work that relies on intuition.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to quickly present a menu item to be searched by a user in an input device using menu items represented in a hierarchical structure.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, designation of a menu item hierarchy to be displayed is accepted, and the menu item (option) of the accepted hierarchy is displayed in association with a menu item of a higher hierarchy. At this time, it is possible to display the images so as to spread radially, with the upper layer on the inside and the lower layer on the outside.

  For example, the input device of the present invention includes means for storing menu items expressed in a hierarchical structure, hierarchy setting means for setting a hierarchy of menu items to be selected, and menu items of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting means. Is associated with a menu item in a higher hierarchy than the hierarchy and is displayed outside the menu item in the higher hierarchy. Then, the hierarchy setting means receives a change request for the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected, and changes it according to the received change request.

  When the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected is changed to a lower hierarchy by the hierarchy setting means, the display means displays a reduced menu item displayed before the change, and the hierarchy setting means displays the menu item. When the level of the menu item to be selected is changed to a higher level, the menu item displayed before the change can be enlarged and displayed.

  The input device may include a focus movement request accepting unit that accepts a focus movement request arranged in the menu item to be selected. When the focus movement request is accepted by the focus movement request accepting unit, the display unit is configured to select the menu item to be selected regardless of whether or not the menu items of the upper layer associated with each other are the same. The focus can be moved to the menu item displayed next to the menu item where the focus is placed.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an in-vehicle navigation device 100 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the in-vehicle navigation device 100 includes an arithmetic processing unit 1, a display 2, a storage device 3, a voice input / output device 4, an input device 5, a wheel speed sensor 6, a gyro sensor 7, And a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 8.

  The arithmetic processing unit 1 is a central unit that performs various processes. For example, the current position is detected based on information output from the various sensors 6 and 7 and the GPS receiver 8. In addition, graphics information is generated to display an image on the display 2.

  The display 2 includes a liquid crystal display device and the like, and is a unit that displays graphics information generated by the arithmetic processing unit 1.

  The storage device 3 includes a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, HDD, or IC card. This storage medium stores map data necessary for navigation processing.

  The voice input / output device 4 includes a microphone, acquires voice spoken by the user, and transmits the voice to the arithmetic processing unit 1. Further, the message to the user generated by the arithmetic processing unit 1 is converted into an audio signal and output.

  The input device 5 is a unit that receives instructions from the user. The input device 5 includes a dial switch 51 and other hard switches (not shown). The dial switch 51 is configured to be able to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, generates a pulse signal for each rotation of a predetermined angle, and outputs the pulse signal together with the rotation direction.

  The sensors 6 and 7 and the GPS receiver 8 are used for detecting the current location (vehicle position) by the vehicle-mounted navigation device 100.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the arithmetic processing unit 1.

  As illustrated, the arithmetic processing unit 1 has a configuration in which devices are connected by a bus 32. The arithmetic processing unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that executes various processes such as numerical calculation and control of each device, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores map data, arithmetic data, and the like read from the storage device 3. ) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 for storing programs and data, a DMA (Direct Memory Access) 24 for transferring data between the memories and between the memory and each device, and graphics drawing. In addition, a drawing controller 25 that controls display, a video random access memory (VRAM) 26 that stores graphics image data, a color palette 27 that converts image data into RGB signals, and an A / D that converts analog signals into digital signals. Converter 28 and an SCI (Serial Communication Interface) that converts the serial signal into a parallel signal synchronized with the bus. ace) 29, a PIO (Parallel Input / Output) 30 that puts a parallel signal on the bus in synchronization with the bus, and a counter 31 that integrates the pulse signal.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the arithmetic processing unit 1. Note that a description of functions for performing navigation processing, which is a basic operation of the vehicle-mounted navigation device 100, is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the arithmetic processing unit 1 includes a main control unit 101, an input processing unit 102, a focus position setting unit 103, a menu display processing unit 104, and an operation execution unit 105. These functional units are achieved by the CPU 21 executing a predetermined program loaded into the memory 22.

  The main control unit 101 is a central unit that controls each functional unit. For example, an input to the input device 5 is detected via the input processing unit 102, an instruction from the user is analyzed, and each functional unit is controlled so that a process corresponding to the instructed content is executed.

  The input processing unit 102 receives an input signal from the input device 5 such as the dial switch 51 and sends it to the main control unit 101.

  The focus position setting unit 103 sets the focus position for the menu item (option) displayed on the display 2. Here, the focus indicates a selected menu item, and indicates a menu item that is confirmed when the confirm button is pressed. For example, when a focus movement is requested from the user via the dial switch 51, the focus position setting unit 103 moves the focus position to the menu item adjacent to the menu item that currently has the focus.

  The menu display processing unit 104 performs processing for displaying a menu on the display 2 using the menu information 200 that is information related to the menu. In addition, the focus is placed on one of the menu items according to the focus position set by the focus position setting unit 103.

  The operation execution unit 105 performs processing for a predetermined operation in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 101. For example, processing such as destination setting, address search, route search, route guidance is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the menu information 200. As shown in FIG.

  Menu information 200 stores menu items in a hierarchical structure. Each menu item belongs to one of the hierarchies and is associated with a menu item of a higher hierarchy.

  Specifically, top menu items (reference numerals 2011, 2012, 2013, etc.) belong to the first hierarchy 201. In the second layer 202, a menu item of a concept lower than the menu item of the first layer 201 associated with any menu item of the first layer 201, in other words, a more specific menu item (reference numeral 2021). 2022, 2023, 2024, etc.). Similarly, a menu item of a concept lower than the menu item of the nth hierarchy, which is associated with any menu item of the n−1th hierarchy, belongs to the nth hierarchy. In such a hierarchical structure, when a lower-level menu item is traced from a higher-level menu item, the lowest-level menu item is reached. The lowest-level menu item is a menu item that accepts a specific operation execution request.

  Each menu item is given an order used when determining the focus movement order. In the example of FIG. 4, each menu item for each hierarchy is given an order from top to bottom.

  [Description of Operation] Next, the characteristic operation of the in-vehicle navigation device 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The in-vehicle navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment has a function of displaying a list of menu items up to a specified hierarchy, together with a hierarchical structure. However, the vehicle-mounted navigation device 100 also has a function of tracing the hierarchy in order from the top menu, selecting menu items one by one, and finally specifying the menu item intended by the user, as in the past.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing for displaying a list of menu items. FIG. 6 is a transition diagram of the display screen 300.

  The flow shown in FIG. 5 is started when there is a menu item list display request from the user via the input device 5.

  First, the main control unit 101 sets a “selection target hierarchy”. The “selection target hierarchy” is a hierarchy of menu items to be selected by the user, and is a hierarchy of menu items on which the focus is arranged. First, the main control unit 101 sets the first hierarchy to the “selection hierarchy” in order to display the top menu.

  The menu display processing unit 104 displays the menu items belonging to the first hierarchy that is the “selection target hierarchy” (S101). Specifically, all menu items belonging to the first hierarchy 201 are extracted from the menu information 200, and the extracted menu item 310 is centered on the approximate center of the display screen 300 as shown in FIG. As a circle. At this time, it arranges clockwise according to the order stored in the menu information 200. In order to arrange them in a circle, for example, the circumference of a circle centered on a certain point on the display screen 300 is divided at equal intervals by the number of menu items 310, and the menu items 310 are arranged at the division positions. Good.

  Here, the focus position setting unit 103 sets a focus position. Here, among the menu items in the first hierarchy, the menu item (menu item 2011 in the example of FIG. 4) that is first in the order stored in the menu information 200 is set as the focus position. The menu display processing unit 104 displays the focus on the menu item at the position set by the focus position setting unit 103.

  Next, the main control unit 101 determines whether a confirmation request has been received from the user via the input processing unit 102 (S102). Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the confirm button has been pressed.

  When the confirmation request is received (Y in S102), the main control unit 101 confirms the menu item on which the focus is arranged as the input content of the user. And the process which receives selection of a menu item by the conventional method is started. That is, from the menu information 200, the menu item of the next lower hierarchy associated with the confirmed menu item is extracted and displayed in a list on the display screen via the menu display processing unit 104. Then, selection of any menu item is accepted from the user via the input device 5. When the selection is accepted, the menu item lower by one corresponding to the selected menu item is extracted from the menu information 200 and displayed in a list via the menu display processing unit 104. This process is repeated until the lowest menu item is specified. Finally, when the lowest menu item is specified, the main control unit 101 instructs the operation execution unit 105 to execute an operation corresponding to the menu item. In response to this, the operation execution unit 105 executes processing such as destination setting, route search, route guidance, and the like according to the confirmed menu item.

  On the other hand, when the confirmation request is not received (N in S102), the main control unit 101 determines whether a focus movement request is received via the input processing unit 102 (S104).

  Here, the input processing unit 102 receives a focus movement request by the rotation of the dial switch 51. Also, the moving direction of the focus is accepted according to the rotation direction. Each time rotation is detected, the rotation direction is sent to the main control unit 101.

  When the dial switch 51 is rotated clockwise, the main control unit 101 determines that the request is to move the focus clockwise. On the other hand, when the dial switch 51 is rotated counterclockwise, it is determined that the request is for moving the focus counterclockwise.

  If there is no focus movement request (N in S104), the main control unit 101 returns to S102 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, when there is a focus movement request (Y in S104), the main control unit 101 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the “selection target hierarchy” (S105). Here, when the “hierarchy to be selected” needs to be changed, (1) When the focus is moved to the last menu item, a request is received to move the focus to the next menu item. There are two cases: (2) when a request is received to move the focus to the previous menu item when the first menu item has the focus. On the other hand, the case where the “selection target hierarchy” does not need to be changed is a case where none of these applies.

  If it is determined that it is not necessary to change the “selection target hierarchy” (N in S105), the main control unit 101 causes the focus position setting unit 103 to change the focus position without changing the “selection target hierarchy”. To instruct.

  In response to this, the focus position setting unit 103 changes the focus position according to the rotation direction of the dial switch 51. Specifically, when the dial switch 51 is rotated clockwise, the focus position is set so that the focus moves in the order of registration of the menu information 200 with respect to the displayed menu item of the “selection target hierarchy”. change. On the other hand, when the dial switch 51 is rotated counterclockwise, the focus is moved so that the focus moves with respect to the menu item of the displayed “selection target hierarchy”, contrary to the registration order of the menu information 200. Change the position.

  In the example of FIG. 4, when the menu item 2011 in the first hierarchy 201 is focused and the dial switch 51 is rotated clockwise, the focus position setting unit 103 moves the focus position to the menu item 2012. On the other hand, when the menu item 2012 is focused and the dial switch 51 is rotated counterclockwise, the focus position setting unit 103 moves the focus position to the menu item 2011.

  When the “selection target hierarchy” is a hierarchy lower than the first hierarchy, the menu item in the higher hierarchy associated with the menu item in which the focus is arranged and the adjacent menu item are not common. There is a case. Even in such a case, in the present embodiment, the focus moves regardless of the commonality of the menu items in the upper hierarchy. That is, the focus position setting unit 103 moves the focus position to the menu item 2023 when the menu item 2022 of the second hierarchy 202 is focused and the dial switch 51 is rotated clockwise. On the other hand, when the menu item 2023 has focus and the dial switch 51 is rotated counterclockwise, the focus position is moved to the menu item 2022.

  The menu display processing unit 104 moves and displays the focus 320 at the focus position changed by the focus position setting unit 103 (S106).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the “selection target hierarchy” needs to be changed (Y in S105), the main control unit 101 determines whether a change to a lower hierarchy or a change to an upper hierarchy is necessary. (S107). Specifically, when the focus is moved to the last menu item and a request is received to move the focus to the next menu item (above (1)), the main control unit 101 It is determined that the “selection target hierarchy” needs to be changed to a hierarchy one level lower, and the process of S108 is performed. On the other hand, when the focus has moved to the first menu item and a request is received to move the focus to the previous menu item (above (2)), the main control unit 101 determines that “the selection target hierarchy ”Is determined to be changed to one level higher, and the process of S109 is performed. Hereinafter, each case will be described.

When Changing the “Selection Target Hierarchy” to a Lower Hierarchy In S108, the main control unit 101 changes the “selection target hierarchy” to a lower hierarchy. In response to this, the menu display processing unit 104 displays the display screen 300 again. That is, the menu display processing unit 104 extracts from the menu information 200 all the menu items belonging to the hierarchy up to the newly set “selection target hierarchy”, and displays them together with the hierarchy structure. Further, as described above, the menu display processing unit 104 arranges clockwise in the order registered in the menu information 200 so as to draw one circle with menu items in the same hierarchy. In addition, the menu items in the upper hierarchy are arranged and displayed so as to be surrounded by the menus in the lower hierarchy. In addition, the relationship between the upper menu item and the lower menu item is expressed by connecting with a line. Further, the menu items of the upper hierarchy displayed on the inner side are reduced and displayed so as to fit on the display screen 300 as compared with the menu items of the lower hierarchy displayed on the outer side.

  The focus position setting unit 103 sets the focus position to the menu items registered in the first order among the newly set menu items of the “selection target hierarchy”. In the example of FIG. 4, when the “selection target hierarchy” is changed from the first hierarchy 201 to the second hierarchy 202, the focus is from the last menu item 2013 of the first hierarchy 201 to the first menu item 2021 of the second hierarchy 202. Change the position. When the “selection target hierarchy” is changed from the second hierarchy 202 to the third hierarchy 203, the focus position is changed from the last menu item 2024 of the second hierarchy 202 to the first menu item 2031 of the third hierarchy 203. .

  The menu display processing unit 104 moves the focus to the menu item at the focus position set by the focus position setting unit 103.

When Changing the “Selection Target Hierarchy” to a Higher Hierarchy In S109, the main control unit 101 changes the “selection target hierarchy” to one higher hierarchy. In response to this, the menu display processing unit 104 displays the display screen 300 again. That is, the menu display processing unit 104 extracts from the menu information 200 all the menu items belonging to the hierarchy up to the newly set “selection target hierarchy”, and displays them together with the hierarchy structure. At this time, as described above, the menu items are arranged in the clockwise order in the order registered in the menu information 200 so as to draw one circle with menu items in the same hierarchy. In addition, the menu items in the upper hierarchy are arranged and displayed so as to be surrounded by the menus in the lower hierarchy. In addition, the relationship between the upper menu item and the lower menu item is expressed by connecting with a line. Further, the menu items of the upper hierarchy displayed on the inner side are reduced and displayed so as to fit on the display screen 300 as compared with the menu items of the lower hierarchy displayed on the outer side. In addition, the menu item of the hierarchy currently displayed on the outermost side is erase | eliminated, and the menu item currently displayed on the innermost one becomes the outermost side. That is, the menu display processing unit 104 displays the reduced menu item as a menu item of the “selection target layer” as compared with the menu items of other layers.

  The focus position setting unit 103 sets the focus position to the menu items registered in the last order among the newly set menu items of the “selection target hierarchy”. In the example of FIG. 4, when the “selection target hierarchy” is changed from the third hierarchy 203 to the second hierarchy 202, the focus is from the first menu item 2031 of the third hierarchy 203 to the first menu item 2024 of the second hierarchy 202. Change the position. Further, when the “selection target hierarchy” is changed from the second hierarchy 202 to the first hierarchy 201, the focus position is changed from the first menu item 2021 of the second hierarchy 202 to the first menu item 2013 of the first hierarchy 201. To do.

  The menu display processing unit 104 moves the focus to the menu item at the focus position set by the focus position setting unit 103.

  After the process of S106, S108, or S109 described above, the main control unit 101 returns to S102 and continues the process.

  Screen transition will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a transition diagram of the display screen 300 when the dial switch 51 is rotated clockwise.

  FIG. 6A shows a state in which the top menu of the first hierarchy is displayed. As shown in the figure, the menu display processing unit 104 displays the menu items 310 belonging to the first hierarchy arranged in a circle around the center of the screen. At this time, the menu items 310 are arranged clockwise in the order stored in the menu information 200. Further, the focus 320 is displayed on one of the menu items according to the focus position set by the focus position setting unit 103.

  FIG. 6B shows a state when the dial switch 51 is turned one step clockwise. The menu display processing unit 104 moves the focus 320 by one clockwise with respect to the menu item 310 arranged in a circle.

  FIG. 6C shows a state where the focus 320 has moved to the last menu item as a result of the dial switch 51 being turned clockwise. At this time, when the dial switch 51 is further turned clockwise, the menu display processing unit 104 displays the menu item 311 of the second hierarchy as shown in FIG. The menu display processing unit 104 displays the menu item 311 of the second hierarchy that is the “selection target hierarchy” so as to surround the menu item 310 of the first hierarchy and in association with the menu item 310 of the first hierarchy. . At this time, the menu display processing unit 104 arranges the menu items clockwise according to the order stored in the menu information 200. Further, the menu of the first layer is reduced and displayed inside the menu item 311 of the second layer.

  When the dial switch 51 is rotated clockwise, the menu display processing unit 104 moves the focus 320 clockwise with respect to the menu item 311 of the “selection target hierarchy”. That is, the focus 320 is moved to the next menu item one after another regardless of whether or not the menu items of the upper layer associated with each other are the same.

  FIG. 6E shows a state in which the focus 320 has moved to the last menu item in the “selection target hierarchy”, as in FIG. 6C. At this time, when the dial switch 51 is further turned clockwise, the menu display processing unit 104 displays up to the menu item 312 in the third hierarchy, as shown in FIG. The menu display processing unit 104 displays the menu items in the higher hierarchy (first hierarchy and second hierarchy) than the third hierarchy in a reduced size compared to the size that has been displayed so far. In addition, the menu item 312 in the third hierarchy which is the “selection target hierarchy” is displayed so as to surround the menu items in the higher hierarchy (first hierarchy and second hierarchy). At this time, as described above, the menu items are arranged clockwise in the order stored in the menu information 200.

  In this way, as the lower hierarchy is displayed, the hierarchical structure (tree diagram) of the menu items is displayed radially spreading around the top menu item.

  FIG. 7 is a transition diagram of the display screen 300 when the dial switch 51 is rotated counterclockwise, contrary to FIG.

  FIG. 7A shows the same state as FIG. That is, the focus 320 is in a state where it is arranged at the first menu item of the third hierarchy which is the “selection target hierarchy”. In this state, when the dial switch 51 is further turned counterclockwise, the menu display processing unit 104 deletes the menu item 312 in the third hierarchy and displays the second hierarchy, as shown in FIG. 7B. Menu items 311 up to are displayed. At that time, focus 320 is placed on the last menu item. Further, the menu item 311 in the second layer is enlarged and displayed as compared with the case where the third layer is displayed (FIG. 7A).

  Further, when the dial switch 51 is turned counterclockwise, the menu display processing unit 104 changes the position of the focus 320 and the hierarchy to be displayed while changing the positions of the focus 320 and FIGS. 7 (C), (D), (E), (F) is displayed in order.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

  According to the embodiment, the hierarchical menu can be displayed at a glance with a simple user operation. Therefore, the user can quickly search without knowing which upper menu item the target menu item belongs to.

  The user can see the entire menu so that he can quickly find out which menu item is where.

  In the hierarchical structure, the number of items in the lower hierarchy increases. In the above embodiment, the menu items in the lower hierarchy are arranged so as to surround the upper hierarchy, and the upper hierarchy is displayed in a reduced size. Therefore, even if the number of menu items in the lower hierarchy increases, all menu items are displayed. can do.

  In the case of menu items in the same hierarchy, the focus moves to the adjacent menu items one after another even if the associated upper menu items are not common. Therefore, the user can quickly focus on the target menu item without worrying about the upper menu item.

  Further, by arranging the menu items on a circle, it is possible to link the movement of the focus with the rotation direction of the dial switch. Therefore, an intuitive and simple operation method can be provided.

  In addition, this invention is not restrict | limited to the said embodiment. The above embodiment can be variously modified.

  For example, a request for enlargement / reduction of a menu item (change of “selection target hierarchy”) from the user may be accepted by a scale change button instead of a dial switch. For example, when the main control unit 101 receives an enlargement request from the user via the enlargement / reduction button, the main control unit 101 changes the “selection target layer” to the next higher layer. When a reduction request is received, the “selection target hierarchy” is changed to a hierarchy one level lower. In this way, it is possible to change the “selection target hierarchy” without turning the focus around the dial switch. In addition, normally, the enlargement / reduction button is not used for selecting a menu item, but by using this, a quicker input operation becomes possible.

  The menu item may be associated with the function of the hard switch. For example, in an in-vehicle navigation device, various functions are given to a hard switch depending on the mode. Which user has which hard switch has what function in which mode? I forget. Therefore, the type of hard switch that accepts the menu item is stored in the menu item of the menu information 200. When the menu item is displayed on the display screen, the corresponding hard switch type is also displayed. In this way, complicated hard switch functions can be clearly shown to the user.

  The input device of the present invention is not limited to a vehicle-mounted navigation device, and can be applied to input devices of various information devices.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an in-vehicle navigation device to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the arithmetic processing unit 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the arithmetic processing unit 1. FIG. 4 is a configuration example of the menu information 200. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing for displaying a list of menu items. FIG. 6 is a transition diagram of the display screen. FIG. 7 is a transition diagram of the display screen.

Explanation of symbols

100: In-vehicle navigation device,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Arithmetic processing part, 2 ... Display, 3 ... Memory | storage device, 4 ... Voice output device, 5 ... Input device, 6 ... Wheel speed sensor, 7 ... Gyro 8 ... GPS receiver, 51 ... Dial switch

Claims (6)

  Of the menu items represented in a hierarchical structure, a hierarchy setting means for setting the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected,
  Display means for displaying a menu item of a higher hierarchy than the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting means by reducing and arranging the menu item inside;
  A focus movement request accepting means for accepting a focus movement request arranged in the menu item to be selected,
  The hierarchy setting means includes
  In the case where the focus is placed on the last menu item in a predetermined order in the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected, the focus movement request accepting unit further moves the focus to the menu item in the next order When the request is accepted, the hierarchy is changed to one level lower.
An input device characterized by that.   Of the menu items represented in a hierarchical structure, a hierarchy setting means for setting the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected,
  Display means for displaying a menu item of a higher hierarchy than the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting means by reducing and arranging the menu item inside;
  A focus movement request accepting means for accepting a focus movement request arranged in the menu item to be selected,
  The hierarchy setting means includes
  In the case where the focus is placed on the first menu item in a predetermined order in the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected, the focus movement request accepting unit further moves the focus to the menu item in the previous order. When the request is accepted, the hierarchy is changed to one level higher.
An input device characterized by that.   An input device,
  Means for storing menu items represented in a hierarchical structure;
  A hierarchy setting means for setting a hierarchy of menu items to be selected;
  Display means for displaying the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting means in association with the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy and arranged outside the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy;
  A focus movement request accepting means for accepting a focus movement request arranged in the menu item to be selected,
  The display means includes
  When the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected is changed to a lower hierarchy by the hierarchy setting means, the menu item of the higher hierarchy than the changed hierarchy is displayed in a reduced size.
  When the focus movement request is accepted by the focus movement request accepting unit, the focus is moved in a predetermined order with respect to the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting unit,
  The hierarchy setting means includes
  If the focus is placed on the last menu item in the predetermined order, and further if the focus movement request accepting unit accepts a request to move the focus to the next menu item, Change to one lower level,
An input device characterized by that.   An input device,
  Means for storing menu items represented in a hierarchical structure;
  A hierarchy setting means for setting a hierarchy of menu items to be selected;
  Display means for displaying the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting means in association with the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy and arranged outside the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy;
  A focus movement request accepting means for accepting a focus movement request arranged in the menu item to be selected,
  The display means includes
  When the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected is changed to a higher hierarchy by the hierarchy setting means, the menu items in the hierarchy lower than the hierarchy after the change are reduced and displayed.
  When the focus movement request is accepted by the focus movement request accepting unit, the focus is moved in a predetermined order with respect to the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting unit,
  The hierarchy setting means includes
  When the focus is placed on the first menu item in the predetermined order, and further when the focus movement request accepting unit accepts a request to move the focus to the previous menu item, Change to one higher level,
An input device characterized by that. An input device,
Means for storing menu items represented in a hierarchical structure;
A hierarchy setting means for setting a hierarchy of menu items to be selected;
Display means for displaying the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting means in association with the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy and arranged outside the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy;
A focus movement request accepting means for accepting a focus movement request arranged in the menu item to be selected,
The hierarchy setting means includes
Accepting a change request for the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected, and changing according to the accepted change request;
The display means includes
When the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected is changed to a lower hierarchy by the hierarchy setting means, the menu item of the higher hierarchy than the changed hierarchy is displayed in a reduced size.
When the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected is changed to a higher hierarchy by the hierarchy setting means, the menu item displayed before the change is enlarged and displayed,
When the focus movement request is accepted by the focus movement request accepting unit, the focus is moved in a predetermined order with respect to the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting unit,
The hierarchy setting means includes
When the focus is placed on the last menu item in the predetermined order, and further when the focus movement request accepting unit accepts a request to move the focus to the next menu item, Change to one lower level,
An input device characterized by that. An input device,
Means for storing menu items represented in a hierarchical structure;
A hierarchy setting means for setting a hierarchy of menu items to be selected;
Display means for displaying the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting means in association with the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy and arranged outside the menu item of the hierarchy higher than the hierarchy;
A focus movement request accepting means for accepting a focus movement request arranged in the menu item to be selected,
The hierarchy setting means includes
Accepting a change request for the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected, and changing according to the accepted change request;
The display means includes
When the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected is changed to a lower hierarchy by the hierarchy setting means, the menu item of the higher hierarchy than the changed hierarchy is displayed in a reduced size.
When the hierarchy of the menu item to be selected is changed to a higher hierarchy by the hierarchy setting means, the menu item displayed before the change is enlarged and displayed,
When the focus movement request is accepted by the focus movement request accepting unit, the focus is moved in a predetermined order with respect to the menu item of the hierarchy set by the hierarchy setting unit,
The hierarchy setting means includes
When focus is placed on the first menu item in the predetermined order, and further when the focus movement request accepting unit accepts a request to move focus to the previous menu item, To the next higher level,
When the focus is placed on the last menu item in the predetermined order, and further when the focus movement request accepting unit accepts a request to move the focus to the next menu item, Change to one lower level,
An input device characterized by that.

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