WO2005122199A1

WO2005122199A1 - Controller

Info

Publication number: WO2005122199A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/010476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shuichi Obara; Yoshiko Higeta
Original assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-06-10
Filing date: 2005-06-08
Publication date: 2005-12-22

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide a controller capable of easily and rapidly retrieving information by a series of operations even if the information is large in quantity and stratified in multiple stories. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] This controller (1) is formed so that a rotary operation type rotating knob (2) having a self-return mechanism is installed on a base rotatably in a specified range. An unshown rotary encoder is connected to the rotating knob (2). A pair of terminal switches (5a) and (5b) outputting signals different from those outputted at rotating function positions (4a) and (4b) are fitted to the right and left end parts of the rotating terminal parts, i.e., the rotating function positions (4a) and (4b) of the rotating knob (2). The terminal switches (5a) and (5b) are of the contact reaction type, and formed so that the signals can be outputted by bringing them into contact with each other by the contact parts (2c) and (2d) fitted to a pair of projected parts (2a) and (2b) installed on the diameter of the rotating knob (2).

Description

Specification

Controller

Technical field

The present invention relates to a controller used for an electronic device, and particularly to a technique for easily searching for information by operating an operation knob.

Background art

[0002] In recent years, technological innovations in in-vehicle devices have not only provided a wake-up audio function, but also large-capacity information stored in a plurality of layers, such as hard disk navigation devices and in-vehicle personal computers. Devices with various functions such as navigation, Internet connection, audio or video output, etc. are being developed.

[0003] In such a vehicle-mounted device, it is not easy for a user to search for and execute desired information from a large amount of information stored in a plurality of layers. In particular, for devices installed in a limited space such as an in-vehicle environment, the display is also limited to a small size of about 7 inches, and it is not possible to provide a mouse or keyboard such as a home personal computer as a means of searching for users. Since it is impossible, it is practically limited to remote control touch panels.

[0004] However, the remote control touch panel is not suitable for, for example, scrolling the screen, and is not always convenient, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the operation. In addition, in order to efficiently search for hierarchical information, if such information retrieval is troublesome, the time to gaze at the display to confirm the retrieval process on the display or the like increases, and from the traveling road, My eyes are off, it's good.

[0005] Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to apply a rotary knob having a self-return mechanism to an in-vehicle device to improve operability and convenience and save space (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: JP-A-8-76776

Disclosure of the invention Problems the invention is trying to solve

[0006] However, according to the above-described conventional technology, the rotary knob of the cylinder simply rotates in the left-right direction and, for example, scrolls and selects a song displayed on the screen. Only one operation could be performed for each. Therefore, in such a conventional technique, if a large amount of information is stored and further information is to be extracted from the stored information in a hierarchical manner, a large number of switches are provided in addition to the rotary knob. Therefore, it was not always the most appropriate means when considering the above-mentioned in-vehicle environment.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed to improve the above-described problems of the related art, and its object is to make it easy and quick to perform a series of operations even when a large amount of information is hierarchized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a controller capable of performing information search.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a controller provided with a rotary knob of a rotary operation type, wherein the first output means outputs a predetermined signal in a predetermined rotation region of the rotary knob. And a second output unit that outputs a second signal different from the signal when the rotation knob is positioned outside the rotation region, by a computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism. It is characterized by the following.

[0009] Further, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a controller provided with a rotary operation type rotary knob having a self-return mechanism, wherein the rotary knob automatically returns when the rotary knob is released; A first output unit that outputs a predetermined signal in a predetermined rotation region of the rotation knob; and a second output unit that outputs a second signal different from the signal when the rotation knob is positioned outside the rotation region. And (2) a computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation knob is rotatable left and right with respect to the zero position, and the first output means and the second output means are provided on the left and right of the zero position, respectively. It is characterized by having been done.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the controller includes a slide unit of a slide operation type, and outputs a predetermined signal in a predetermined slide area of the slide unit; A computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism realizes a second output unit that outputs a second signal different from the signal when the sliding unit is located outside the slide area. And

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a controller provided with a slide operation type sliding portion having a self-return mechanism, wherein the sliding portion automatically returns to a zero position when the sliding portion is released; A first output unit that outputs a predetermined signal in a predetermined slide area of the unit, and a second output unit that outputs a second signal different from the signal when the slide unit is positioned outside the slide area. And a computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the sliding portion is slidable on both sides around the zero position, and the first output means and the second output means are respectively provided on both sides of the zero position. It is characterized by being eccentric.

The invention's effect

[0014] As described above, according to the present invention, different signal processing can be output depending on the rotation function position of the rotation knob and the end switch, so that two operations can be performed by one operation of rotating to one side. You will be able to work. Therefore, since the operation switches can be put together as a whole device, it is possible to save space and to increase the design width of the operation means.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of an in-vehicle device using an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an application example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of symbols

1, la, lb, lc, ... controller

2 ... Rotation knob

2a, 2b ... Projection

2c, 2d ... contact part

3… Zero position

4a, 4b… Rotation function position

5a, 5b… Terminal switch

10

11… Display

12 ... Operation panel

14 ... Various operation switches

15… Disc insertion slot

16… Card slot 21'Rotation direction judgment unit

22 '

23 ····· Display mechanism mechanism

24--Display device

25-

26-

30- · '-controller

31- · '-knob

32- · '.Zero position

33-

34- · '-Terminal switch

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [1. Overview]

[1-1. Configuration]

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the controller 1, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rotary knob 2 in the controller 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the controller 1 of the present embodiment, a rotary operation type rotary knob 2 having a self-return mechanism is rotatably attached to a substrate (not shown) within a predetermined range. A rotary encoder (not shown) is connected to the rotary knob 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotatable range of the rotary knob 2 is a zero position 3 where the starting point S of the rotary knob 2 is automatically returned by the self-return mechanism when the rotary knob 2 is released. Between the rotary function positions 4a and 4b, which are provided on the left and right of the zero position 3 and in which the rotary encoder detects the rotation amount of the rotary knob 2 as a digital amount, converts it into a predetermined electric signal, and outputs it. . It should be noted that any type such as an optical type, an electrostatic type, and a magnetic type can be adopted as the rotary encoder. Also, depending on the application example described later, an absolute type that outputs the absolute angle as a tens of bits of gray code or only the rotation direction and count number Any known configuration, such as an incremental type for detection, may be employed.

[0020] Terminal switches 5a and 5b that output signals different from those of the rotation function positions 4a and 4b are provided at the rotation end portions of the rotation knob 2, that is, at the left and right ends of the rotation function positions 4a and 4b. It is set up. The terminal switches 5a and 5b are contact-reaction type switches, and the signal output is performed by bringing the contact portions 2c and 2d attached to the pair of protrusions 2a and 2b provided on the diameter of the rotary knob 2 into contact. It is configured to perform.

Here, the positional relationship between the zero position 3, the rotation function positions 4a and 4b, the end switches 5a and 5b, and the protrusions 2a and 2b provided on the rotation knob 2 will be described in detail. That is, as shown in the figure, the rotary function positions 4a and 4b are provided in a range of about 150 degrees to the left and right with respect to the zero position 3 respectively, and a terminal switch is provided at an end portion about 150 degrees to the left and right from the zero position 3. 5a and 5b are provided. On the other hand, the protruding portions 2a and 2b are provided so as to protrude from the zero position 3 on the outer periphery of the rotary knob 2 at a position approximately 90 degrees to the left and right.

[0022] Therefore, the rotation range of the rotary knob 2, that is, the processing range of the rotary encoder (not shown) is a range of about 30 degrees left and right with respect to the zero position 3 or the protrusions 2a and 2b. For example, it is configured to perform predetermined signal processing according to the amount of rotation, with the right rotation being plus and the left rotation being minus.

[1 2 · action]

Next, an outline of the operation of the controller 1 configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the initial state of the controller 1, the starting point S of the rotary knob 2 is located at the zero position 3. Then, from this state, when the user holds the rotary knob 2 and rotates it from the zero position 3 to either the left or right as shown in FIG. 2 (b) or (c), it is connected to the rotary knob 2. The rotary encoder detects the amount of rotation and outputs a first processing signal according to the amount of rotation.

[0024] Specifically, when the rotary knob 2 rotates in either the left or right direction, the rotation direction determination unit 21 provided in the rotary encoder determines whether the rotation direction is the plus direction or the minus direction. Is determined, and the rotation amount determination unit 22 detects the rotation amount by determining the rotation angle of the rotary knob 2 (in the case of the absolute type) or by counting the number of rotation memories (in the case of the incremental type). [0025] Based on the detection results of the rotation direction and the rotation amount, the display mechanism control unit 23 generates a predetermined processing signal, and controls the display device 24 such as a display or the audio function and the navigation function. Output to the on-vehicle electronic device 25 provided. For example, if the controller 1 is used as the FF / REW function of an audio device that plays music recorded on a CD or music media such as MP3, rotating the rotary knob 2 from the zero position 3 to the right The rotation direction determination unit 21 detects this, and the rotation amount determination unit 22 determines the rotation amount such as whether the rotation angle of the rotary knob 2 is in the range of 0 to 10 degrees or 10 to 20 degrees. Then, based on these determination results, the display / mechanism control unit 23 outputs, for example, a double-speed or quadruple-speed forward feed signal to an audio device or the like.

When the rotary knob 2 is further rotated, as shown in FIG. 2 (b) or (c), when the contact portions 2c, 2d come into contact with the end switches 5a, 5b, the contact detection portion 26 is switched. Which of 5a and 5b has been touched is detected, and based on the result, the display mechanism control unit 23 outputs a predetermined signal to the display device 24 or the in-vehicle electronic device 25. For example, as described above, when the controller 1 is used in an audio device, when the contact portion 2c contacts the switch 5a, the display / mechanism control portion 23 determines the result of the determination portion and the detection portion. Based on the result of the determination unit and the detection unit, when the contact unit 2d contacts the switch 5b, a processing signal for backward transmission is output. I do.

[13] [Effect]

According to the controller 1 of the present embodiment as described above, different signal processing can be output at the rotation function positions 4a and 4b of the rotation knob 2 having the self-return mechanism and the end switches 5a and 5b. Two operations can be performed by one operation of rotating to one side. This is because the operation switches can be integrated as a whole on-vehicle device assumed to be applied to the present invention, so that space can be saved and the design range of the on-vehicle device can be expanded. Become.

[0028] In addition, for example, when using an audio device, the user does not need to perform FF / REW operation and skip operation, that is, an operation to change tracks by using different operation means. In addition, since the operations can be performed by a series of operations, the convenience can be improved.

[0029] [2. Specific application examples]

A specific example of operating the information terminal functions such as the audio / visual function (hereinafter, also referred to as AV function), the navigation function, and the telephone function in the in-vehicle apparatus having the controller 1 of the present embodiment as the main function of navigation as described above. Will be described separately.

[2-1. Overall View of In-Vehicle Device]

As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the in-vehicle device 10 shown as an application example of the present embodiment is roughly divided to display map data and the like in the navigation function to provide route guidance and display various video data. And an operation panel 12 provided with various operation means and an external media input port. The in-vehicle device 10 also includes a hard disk drive (hereinafter, referred to as an HDD) (not shown), and stores the latest road map data of the navigation function, various application software, or video and music files in various formats.

[0031] The operation panel 12 is provided with a plurality (three in this case) of the controllers 1 of the present embodiment, and various operation switches 14, a disk insertion slot 15, and external storage means such as a flash memory can be inserted. Card slots 16 are provided. In this application example, the three controllers 1 are, from the left, a controller la for operating the audio / visual function, a controller lb for operating the navigation function, and information such as telephone receiving / sending and Internet connection. A controller lc for operating terminal functions is provided. Each controller la ~: lc has three push-button switches on the rotary knob 2 which are different for each of the above functions. Note that the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device shown in this application example is merely an example, and the arrangement and number of each function including the controller of this embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

[0032] [2-2. Example of application to audio Z-visual function]

[Operations on the menu screen]

When the “Menu” key of the controller la shown in FIG. 5B is pressed, an “Audio & Visual Menu” screen as shown in FIG. 5C is displayed. Here, on the screen, there are 15 DVD discs, “DVD / CD” menu for playing DVDs or CDs inserted, “Radio” menu for receiving radio broadcasts, MP3 format stored on HDD, etc. Play music data from Music menu, Card menu for playing music data stored in external storage such as flash memory inserted from card slot 16, TV menu for receiving mainly terrestrial broadcasting, Audio / Each menu of the "Set" menu for setting various visual functions and the "CD Changer" menu for playing the disc stored in the CD changer are displayed with image icons.

On this menu screen, each menu can be selected by rotating the rotary knob 2 right and left. Specifically, the menu icon located at the top of each menu on the menu screen is set as a selection target menu, and the character description of the menu (here, “DVDZCD”) is enlarged and displayed at the center of the screen. When the rotary knob 2 is rotated from this state to the rotation function position 4a on the right side, the `` Radio '' menu located on the right side of the screen rather than the `` DVDZCD '' menu is selected and the icon is displayed at the top of the screen. As the character moves, the center of the character description is enlarged and displayed. On the other hand, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated to the left rotation function position 4b, the "CD Changer" menu located on the left side of the screen rather than the "DVD / CD" menu becomes a selection target.

[0034] As described above, the rotary knob 2 is moved to the left and right rotary function positions 4a and 4b and selected as a menu to be selected on the screen, and then the rotary knob 2 is further rotated so that the contact portions 2c and 2d are switched to the end switches. When 5a and 5b are moved to the contact position, the selected menu is selected and executed.

In this application example, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated to the rotation function positions 4a and 4b, the operation mode of the rotary encoder may be a plurality of possible forces. For example, as described above, the rotary encoder is selected according to the angle. In a mode in which the target menus are sequentially sent, a desired menu may pass through the selection target position in the process of rotating the rotary knob 2 to the end switches 5a and 5b.

[0036] In this application example, for example, the period from the rotation from the zero position 3 to the left or right rotational function position 4a or 4b side until the return to the zero position 3 is counted as one time. Move to the left / right menu one by one according to the number of events, or move from the zero position 3 to the rotation function position 4a, 4b, and after a few seconds, move to the zero position 3 to the end switches 5a, 5b. It is preferable to adopt the mode of sending to the next menu if the user has not moved. Good.

In order to determine the menu to be selected from the menu screen, the end process is performed by pressing the “Enter” key provided on the rotary knob 2 without using the terminal switches 5a and 5b as described above. May be performed.

[0038] [When playing music recorded on a CD]

When the "DVD / CD" menu is selected from the menu screen as described above, the disc inserted into the device is played from the disc entrance 15 (see Fig. 4), and the screen is displayed as shown in Fig. 5 (a). As shown in (5), the screen shifts to a route guidance screen displayed by the navigation function.

In such a case, the rotary function positions 4a and 4b in the controller la of the present embodiment are FFZREW functions, and the end switches 5a and 5b are track feed switches recorded on the disk. That is, when the rotary knob 2 is moved to the rotary function position 4a on the right side, an FF signal is output and the music is fast-forwarded.When the rotary section is further rotated and the contact section 2c contacts the end switch 5a, a track-up signal is output. It will skip to the next song.

[0040] Conversely, when the rotary knob 2 is moved to the left rotation function position 4b, a REW signal is output and the music is rewound, and further, when the rotation is performed and the contact portion 2d contacts the end switch 5b, a track down signal is generated. Output and skip to the previous song.

In this case, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated to the rotary function positions 4a and 4b, the rotary encoder may have a plurality of possible forms. Similar to the above-described conventional self-return type FF / REW function, It is desirable to change the double speed in accordance with the rotation amount or rotation angle.

As described above, in this application example, the FF / REW function and the track feed function, each of which is usually divided into two operation means and provided with operation buttons, are combined into one operation means. Further, two functions can be executed by only one operation of rotating the rotation knob 2 in one direction.

As a result, since the operation switches can be put together in the vehicle-mounted device as a whole, the space can be saved, and the design range of the vehicle-mounted device can be expanded. In addition, the user can perform the FF / REW operation and the skip operation, that is, the operation of changing tracks by a series of operations that do not need to be performed by separate operation means, which is convenient. Can be improved.

[Example of application to CD changer function]

When the “CD Changer” menu is selected from the menu screen as described above, a selection is made from a plurality of discs stored in the CD changer in advance:! As shown, the screen shifts to the route guidance screen displayed by the navigation function.

In such a case, the rotation function position 4a,

4b is the FFZREW function, and the end switches 5a and 5b are the track feed switches recorded on the disc.The point is the same as the above-mentioned `` CD / DVD '' menu.For this application example, the rotation function positions 4a and 4b In some cases, the operation in the above becomes a track feed function, and the end switches 5a and 5b may be switches for switching to another disk stored in the disk changer.

Specifically, for example, when the rotary knob 2 is pressed a plurality of times within several seconds with respect to the end switch 5a or 5b, or when the track feed is performed a plurality of times continuously, the screen is displayed. As shown in Fig. 9, the display switches to the track list stored on the disk stored in the disk changer, and at the same time as this screen switches, the action of the rotary knob 2 at the rotation function positions 4a and 4b is track-forwarded from the FF / REW function. The function switches, and the end switches 5a and 5b switch from the track feed switch to the disk switching switch.

[0047] In this state, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated from the zero position 3 to the right rotation function position 4a, the track selection frame on the screen moves downward, and the tracks to be selected are sequentially moved. . Conversely, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated from the zero position 3 to the left rotation function position 4b, the track selection frame on the screen moves upward, and the selected track is moved backward. In this case, the selection target track is the track located at the top of the track selection frame.

When the rotary knob 2 is rotated from either the zero position 3 or the rotation function position 4b, and the contact portions 2c, 2d are pressed to the end switches 5a, 5b, the track on the screen list is displayed. The selection frame moves to the position where the first track of the next disk or the previous disk is set as the selection target track. More specifically, in the state of FIG. 7, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated clockwise from the rotational function position 4a to bring the contact portion 2c into contact with the switch 5a, the track selection frame becomes “D3”, which is the next disk. Of "Track 1 J is skipped to the top of this track selection frame (Skip Up). Conversely, in the state of FIG. 7, the rotary knob 2 is rotated counterclockwise from the rotary function position 4b to switch the contact portion 2d to the switch 5b. Then, the track selection frame skips to the position where the “Track 1” of the previous disk “D1” is at the top of this track selection frame (Skip Down).

[0050] In this case as well, the rotary encoder can operate in multiple ways. Switching to the track list on the screen, switching of the function of the rotary knob 2 at the rotary function positions 4a and 4b from the FFZREW function to the track feed function and termination. With the switch 5a, 5b being switched from the track feed switch to the disc switching switch, the double speed is changed according to the amount of rotation or the rotation angle in the same manner as in the case of the above-mentioned `` CD / DVD '' menu. Similar to the operation on the menu screen, the period from rotating from zero position 3 to the left or right rotation function position 4a, 4b until returning to zero position 3 is counted as one time, and according to this count number. Send to the left and right menu one by one, or move to the zero position 3 force rotation function position 4a, 4b and after a few seconds, end switch 5a , 5b, and zero position 3 are desirably changed to a mode of sending to the next menu when neither of them is moved.

[0051] As described above, in this application example, the FF / REW function, the track feed function, and the disc switching function are usually divided into a plurality of operation means, each provided with an operation button. In addition, a plurality of functions can be executed by only one operation of rotating the rotary knob 2 in one direction.

[0052] As a result, the operation switches can be put together as a whole on-vehicle apparatus, so that space can be saved and the range of designs as on-vehicle devices can be expanded. In addition, since the user can perform the FF / REW operation and the skip operation, that is, the operation of changing tracks by a series of operations without using different operation means, it is possible to improve convenience. .

[0053] [Example of application to radio function]

When the “Radio” menu is selected from the menu screen as described above, The reception starts, and the screen shifts to the route guidance screen displayed by the navigation function as shown in Fig. 8 (a). The radio received after the menu is selected is the one on the most recently received frequency.

In such a case, the rotation function positions 4a and 4b in the controller la of the present embodiment are functions for selecting a channel stored as a preset, and the end switches 5a and 5b are used for broadcasting such as AM broadcasting and FM broadcasting. Function to change the type.

In this case as well, the operation of the rotary encoder is similar to that described above, in that the preset is advanced more quickly as the rotation amount or the rotation angle increases in accordance with the rotation amount or the rotation angle. Similarly, from the zero position 3 to one of the left and right rotation function positions 4a and 4b to the return to the zero position 3 once, the force is counted once. In the mode of sending presets one at a time, or when moving from zero position 3 to rotary function positions 4a and 4b, a few seconds have passed, and neither terminal switch 5a or 5b nor zero position 3 has been moved, The menu can be sent to the menu, or the shift can be adopted.

In this application example described above, the means for searching for a preset of a radio station and the means for changing the type of broadcast by frequency such as FM broadcast and AM broadcast are usually provided separately. Therefore, for example, if the user is searching for a broadcasting station that is currently broadcasting music at a time when there is no particularly desired broadcasting station, the search within the FM broadcasting or AM broadcasting is one. This operation can be performed by operating means, but it was necessary to depress the separately provided switching button to change the type of broadcast.In this application example, the rotary knob 2 was moved to either the left or right. The direction of the broadcast can be changed, the preset can be searched, and the rotary knob 2 can be similarly rotated to change the type of broadcast, which is convenient.

[0057] In addition, as described above, since the operation switches can be put together in the vehicle-mounted device as a whole, space can be saved, and the design range of the vehicle-mounted device can be expanded.

[Example of Application to Playback Function of Music Data Stored in HDD]

When "Music" ^ New is selected from the menu screen as shown in Fig. 9, the screen shown in Fig. 10 is displayed. In this way, music data stored in a format such as MP3 on the HDD is displayed on the screen in a state of being grouped by folder (here, album). The selected album is highlighted on the screen.

Next, the user turns the rotary knob 2 left and right to select a desired album (see FIG. 10). In this case, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated from the zero position 3 to the right rotation function position 4a, 4b, the highlight is displayed, that is, the selected album is sequentially moved downward, and conversely, the zero position 3 force is turned to the left. When rotated in the functional positions 4a and 4b, the selected album moves upward.

After selecting the desired album, pressing the “Entre” key provided at the upper left of the rotary knob 2 displays the music files in the album, which is lower layer data, on the screen (FIG. 11). In this album, as described above, the selected file can be selected by rotating the rotary knob 2 from the zero position 3 in the left-right direction.

When the rotary knob 2 is rotated, for example, rightward from this state, and the contact portion 2c is brought into contact with the terminal switch 5a, the uppermost layer of the file data currently displayed is displayed. Can be moved. That is, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated rightward from the state shown in FIG. 11 and the end switch 5a is pressed, the currently selected file data is moved as shown in FIG.

When the rotary knob 2 is rotated to the left from the state of FIG. 10 described above and the contact portion 2d is brought into contact with the terminal switch 5b, the highlighting is, for example, the album “02”, the album “01”. And the files in the upper album become the files to be selected. After the desired music file is selected in this way, the music file can be reproduced by pressing the “Entre” key on the rotary knob 2 (see FIG. 14).

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, with the desired file in the album being played, rotate the rotation knob 2 on the left and right rotation function positions 4a and 4b, or press the end switches 5a and 5b. This makes it possible to search for albums and files in the album or even in the HDD even during playback.

As described above, in this application example, when music data in an album is selectively reproduced, It can be easily selected by rotating the rotary knob 2 to the rotary function position 4a, 4b, and it is located at a higher level than the music data by contacting the contact parts 2c, 2d with the end switches 5a, 5b. Movement between albums is possible. That is, only one operation of operating the rotary knob 2 in the same rotation direction allows not only scrolling of music data but also movement between albums, so that music file search can be easily performed.

[0065] This means that a large-capacity recording medium such as an HDD is provided in the in-vehicle device. For example, in the case of a music file, the number of files stored in the thousands or thousands of units is much larger than the storage capacity of the conventional CD changer. In view of the fact that a series of operations can be moved between data of different hierarchies, the efficiency of data retrieval can be significantly improved.

In this application example, the group unit of the music data is set to the folder unit divided for each album. The group unit is not limited to such an example. It is also possible to group a plurality of songs using specific information as a key, such as a playlist that categorizes only multiple songs, a genre of music recorded in music file data, or an artist. It is possible. In addition, the number of times of reproduction, the last reproduction date and time, and the like are also keys for grouping.

[0067] Further, as described above, on the screen that is formed by using the specific information as a key (see, for example, FIG. 10), the rotation knob 2 is rotated to press the left or right end switch 5a, 5b. In such a case, the configuration may be such that this gnolep switching is performed. For example, if you turn the rotary knob 2 to the right and press the end switch 5a on the screen classified by album as shown in Fig. 10, this screen will switch to a screen grouped by artist, or vice versa. When the rotation knob 2 is rotated to the left and the end switch 5b is pressed, the screen can be switched to a screen grouped by genre.

[0068] Further, for example, in a case where nearly one hundred songs to nearly one thousand songs are stored in one folder without any classification, if the end switch is pressed in the folder, a unit of 50 songs or a unit of one hundred songs is pressed. May be configured to be skipped.

[0069] Furthermore, in a case where data such as "artist" → "album" → "music file" is stored in a plurality of layers, the rotation of the rotary knob 2 to the rotary function positions 4a and 4b causes the current position. A file is selected in the currently open hierarchy, and pressing of the end switches 5a and 5b is configured to select a hierarchy one level higher than that. You can use the “Entre” key or “Return” key to move between layers.

[Example of Application to Playback Function of Music Data Stored in External Media]

The controller la of the present embodiment is also applicable to the case of playing music files and the like stored in a card memory such as a flash memory. That is, after inserting the card memory from the card slot 16 (see Fig. 4) and selecting the "Card" menu from the menu screen as shown in Fig. 16 (c), the above-mentioned case where the music data in the HDD is played is as follows. Similarly, the music data in the media is displayed on the screen in a state of being grouped for each folder (here, album) (not shown).

Then, similarly to the case of the music data in the HDD, the user rotates the rotary knob 2 left and right to select a desired album, and selects “Entre” provided at the upper left of the rotary knob 2 shown in FIG. 16 (b). When the key is pressed, the music files in the album, which is the lower layer data, are displayed on the screen, and in this album, the rotary knob 2 can also be selected by rotating the rotary knob 2 from the zero position 3 to the left and right. You can select a file.

[0072] Then, from this state, by rotating the rotary knob 2 to the right, for example, and bringing the contact portion 2c into contact with the end switch 5a, the uppermost layer of the file data currently displayed is displayed. Can be moved. After selecting the desired music file, the user can play the music file by pressing the “Entre” key on the rotary knob 2

Further, similarly to the case of reproducing music data in the HDD, even when a desired file in the album is reproduced, the rotary knob 2 is rotated on the left and right rotary function positions 4a and 4b, or By pressing the end switches 5a and 5b, it is possible to search for albums and files in the album or even in the HDD.

As described above, also in this application example, when the music data in the album is selectively reproduced, the selection can be easily made by rotating the rotation knob 2 to the rotation function positions 4a and 4b, and the terminal switch 5a By bringing the contact portions 2c and 2d into contact with the It is possible to move between albums located at a higher hierarchy than that. That is, only one operation of operating the rotary knob 2 in the same rotation direction allows not only scrolling of music data but also movement between albums, so that music file search can be easily performed.

[Example of Application to TV Function]

If you select "TVW New" from the menu screen shown in Fig. 17 (c), you will receive terrestrial TV broadcasting and the video shown in Fig. 17 (a) will be displayed on the screen. The channel is based on the last received record.

In such a case, the rotation function position 4a,

4b functions as a function of selecting a channel of each broadcasting station. On the other hand, terminal switch 5a,

5b is a means for changing to a preset channel for each region stored as, for example, “TV1” or “TV2”.

[0077] That is, terrestrial broadcasting is broadcasting that can be received in VHFl to 12ch in the Tokyo area. For example, in the northern Kanto region, it is necessary to receive UHF50 to 62ch with the Harunayama as a relay station. It takes time to search if the rotation is selected at the rotation function positions 4a and 4b of 2 sequentially. However, if the end switches 5a and 5b can be used to skip to the preset channels for each region, the search becomes easy. In particular, the moving force to the preset channel can be performed by a series of operations depending on the amount of rotation of the rotary knob 2 in the same rotation direction, so that the convenience is high.

[0078] [2-3. Example of application to navigation function]

The controller according to the present embodiment can also be applied to a navigation function. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a controller lb for operating the navigation function is provided on the operation panel 12 of the in-vehicle device 10 in this application example, and the rotation knob 2 of the controller lb is used to map the map. Enlargement / reduction can be easily performed.

That is, when a road map around the current position as shown in FIG. 18 (a) is displayed, the rotation knob 2 shown in FIG. 18 (b) is moved to the right rotation function position 4a which is the plus direction. When rotated, the road map is enlarged and displayed according to the amount of rotation or the angle of rotation, or the road map is enlarged by one scale from one rotation from the mouth position 3 to the rotation function positions 4a and 4b. It is possible to show. In addition, according to the rotation amount or the rotation angle of the rotary knob 2, for example, when the rotation angle of the rotation knob 2 is 0 to 10 degrees, the scale is enlarged by one scale, and the rotation angle of the rotation knob 2 is 10 degrees to In the case of 20 degrees, it should be enlarged by 2 scales. On the other hand, when the rotation knob 2 is rotated to the left rotation function position 4b in the minus direction, the road map is displayed in a reduced size, contrary to the above.

[0080] When the contact portions 2c and 2d of the rotary knob 2 are brought into contact with the end switches 5a and 5b, the road map is enlarged or reduced by skipping the map scale such as a 2-scale unit or a 4-scale unit. I'm going to do it.

Conventionally, the display of a road map is scaled up or down by a touch panel or the like by sequentially scrolling one scale at a time or by touching one of the icons arranged on the screen for each scale. However, the former requires time until the desired scale is displayed, such as displaying a map of a scale not required by the user in the process of switching.In the latter, the user looks at the screen and selects the icon corresponding to the desired scale. I needed to.

[0082] However, in this application example as described above, the scale of the road map is changed by changing one scale at a time or by skipping a plurality of scales only by changing the rotation amount or the rotation angle of the rotary knob 2. Therefore, the time required for display can be shortened, and the convenience and safety that users do not need to watch the screen are high.

[2-4. Example of application to information terminal function]

The controller according to the present embodiment can also be applied to information terminal functions such as receiving and transmitting telephone calls and connecting to the Internet. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a controller lc for operating the navigation function is provided on the operation panel 12 of the vehicle-mounted device 10 in this application example, and the rotation knob 2 of the controller lc is used to mount the vehicle on the vehicle. The telephone address list stored in the device 10 can be called up and searched.

[0084] That is, when the "1 ^" key provided on the rotary knob 2 of the controller lc shown in Fig. 19 (b) is pressed, as shown in Fig. 19 (a), the telephone numbers are grouped by alphabet. The list screen is displayed. As shown in FIG. 19 (a), the telephone number to be selected is highlighted on the screen. [0085] In this state, the selection target telephone number can be moved by rotating the rotation knob 2 to the left and right rotation function positions 4a and 4b. Further, when the rotary knob 2 is rotated counterclockwise from the rotary function position 4b to bring the contact portion 2d into contact with the switch 5b, the highlighted telephone number to be selected is changed from, for example, "Claud" in the group of the alphabet "C" to "B" in the alphabet. "To" Becky ". Also, for example, when the "Cathy" force of the group of the letter "C" is rotated to the right by rotating the rotary knob 2 to bring the contact portion 2c into contact with the switch 5a, the force of skipping to the "Emil e" of the anole fabric "E" is obtained. it can.

[0086] After selecting the desired telephone number in this manner, pressing the "Entre" key provided at the upper left of the rotary knob 2, the screen is changed to a confirmation screen of the selected telephone number as shown in Fig. 21 (b). Is displayed. Next, when the “Entre” key (common to the “Call” key) provided at the upper left of the rotary knob 2 is pressed, a call is made to the telephone number as shown in FIG.

In this application example, as shown in FIG. 20, by pressing the “Menu” key provided on the rotary knob 2 of the controller lc shown in FIG. It is also possible to display such a menu screen, and then select the “Address” menu by rotating the rotary knob 2 to the left and right to call up the screen shown in FIG. 21A described above.

As described above, in this application example, when a telephone call is made based on the telephone number stored in the in-vehicle device, by rotating the rotary knob 2 to the rotary function positions 4a and 4b, for example, A desired telephone number can be easily selected from the list arranged in order, and movement by alphabet can be performed by bringing the contact portions 2c and 2d into contact with the end switches 5a and 5b. In other words, a single operation of operating the rotary knob 2 in the same rotation direction makes it easy to search for a specific group rather than just scrolling through the phone number list in order, making it easy to search for data. Can be.

[3. Other Embodiments]

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes other embodiments as exemplified below. That is, in the above embodiment, the rotational function positions 4a, 4b and the end switches 5a, 5b are provided on the left and right sides with reference to the zero position 3.This configuration is not necessarily an essential configuration.For example, as shown in FIG. The rotation function positions 4a and 4b and the end switches 5a and 5b may be provided in only one direction with reference to the zero position 3. Ma In the above-described embodiment, the second output means is the end switches 5a and 5b in the above-described embodiment. However, it is not necessary to provide the end switches 5a and 4b at the ends of the rotary function positions 4a and 4b. A configuration provided in the middle is also conceivable.

Further, besides configuring the controller 1 of the present embodiment as a rotary type, for example, as shown in FIG. 23, the knob 31 can be slid linearly based on the zero position 32 so that the The effects of the present invention can also be obtained by configuring the controller 30 having the rotation function position 33 on both sides and the end switch 34 at the end of the rotation function position 33.

[0091] Further, in the above embodiment, the end switches 5a, 5b are configured to output when the contact portions 2c, 2d come into contact with each other. The signal may be output when the rotary knob 2 returns to the zero position 3. Thus, for example, the terminal switches 5a and 5b can be turned on / off by holding down the end switches 5a and 5b for a certain period of time (several seconds), or the navigation function uses the controller lb to perform the current operation. It is also possible to configure so as to switch to another route candidate different from the route providing the guidance. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a single press of the end switches 5a and 5b, for example, keeps pushing the end switch in a CD changer, which is configured to switch one disc, for a certain period of time. It can be configured to switch a plurality of disks. This is applicable to any of the above application examples.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the operation when the rotary knob 2 returns to the zero position 3 after the end switches 5a and 5b are turned on and switched is not described. Turn on 5b, temporarily disable the function at the rotation function positions 4a and 4b until returning to the initial value of zero position 3, and return to zero position 3 and return to the rotation function positions 4a and 4b again. Can operate. Specifically, for example, in the application example of reproducing the music file in the HDD shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, while searching for the music file in the album, the end switches 5a and 5b are pressed and another album is pressed. Assuming that the scroll function of the rotary knob 2 in the rotary function positions 4a and 4b is effective without returning to the zero position 3 after turning on the end switches 5a and 5b, In some cases, scrolling is not intended by the user. So, prevent this, album In the case of a shift between the positions, after the end switches 5a and 5b are pressed, the rotation function positions 4a and 4b are returned until the position returns to the zero position 3 so that the search can be started again from the music data located first in the album. This will negate the effect of 4b.

[0093] Furthermore, the operation of the rotary knob 2 in the rotary function positions 4a and 4b of the above-described embodiment, that is, the operation that is performed according to the amount of rotation of the rotary knob 2 and the like is appropriately changed based on the conventional technology. It is possible. However, when considered in combination with the termination switches 5a and 5b in the present invention, the following configuration is effective. That is, the rotation function positions 4a and 4b in the above embodiment have an angle of about 60 degrees within the rotation range of the rotation knob 2, but this is divided into three, and each is divided on the screen by the rotation knob 2. It is effective to change the scroll speed of the camera. For example, if the scroll speed from the zero position 3 to the end switches 5a and 5b is divided into three in order of "low speed range", "high speed range" and "low speed range", skipping of upper layer mainly The user using the terminal switch, which is a function, can confirm once again where the current selection position is by reducing the scroll speed before using the terminal switch, so that the user can use the terminal switch. You can have a sense of security. This is particularly effective for users who are not accustomed to the speed of screen scrolling by the rotary knob 2.

[0094] Further, it may be configured such that the switch near the rotating part can be switched by pressing the rotating knob 2 itself in the controller 1 of the present embodiment.

For example, a mark indicating a pointer is put on the rotary knob, the pointer is aligned with the position of a peripheral button, and when the rotary knob is pressed, the switch is turned on or off during the rotation operation, and the cancellation and execution required during the operation process, The keyboard can be called to change the name of the list, and the radio function can be used to change the reception sensitivity and reception area.

[0095] Further, by aligning the pointer provided on the rotary knob 2 with the position of a peripheral button and pressing the rotary knob, the button can be registered as a shortcut function. Furthermore, by aligning this pointer with the position of the surrounding buttons and pressing the rotary knob, the operation history up to that point is stored, and by pressing the operation history execution button, the stored operation can be executed automatically. It is also possible to configure. It can also be used to call the help function by pressing the rotary knob 2. [0096] In addition, the rotary knob 2 in the controller 1 of the present embodiment, the operation buttons provided on the rotary knob 2, and a light source such as an LED provided in the vicinity thereof are provided, and the LED is made to emit light according to the operation procedure. By visually indicating the operation candidates, it is possible to provide an inexperienced user with handling, ease, and a controller.

[0097] That is, in the past, the operation confirmation was mainly performed using a display device such as a display, and in many cases, the display device used an interactive method such as showing the state after the execution of the operation. The button for performing the next operation, that is, the operation candidate is not displayed on the display device. Therefore, in the present invention, for example, a dialogue between information display and operation is expressed by a combination of a display (lighting) for confirming exchange of operation between the display device and the operation panel, and illumination of the rotary knob and operation buttons. Can be.

[0098] More specifically, assuming that the traffic congestion information is updated and a display indicating that there is congestion is displayed on the display device, the three LEDs installed between the display device and the panel are next displayed on the display device side. The button continues to light up in sequence, and then the button for selecting the level of information related to traffic congestion information is illuminated to guide operation candidates. After the operation, the above operation is performed in the reverse direction, and appropriate information is displayed on the display unit.

[0099] Further, as an application example of the termination switch in the controller 1 of each of the embodiments described above, the following modes are also conceivable.

For example, when inputting a registration point or address or telephone number in the navigation function, or inputting a song or the like in the AV function, characters displayed on the screen may be selected and input. When inputting by using, the end switch can be used as a keyboard display switch, that is, a character input switch such as a kana input or an alphabet input.

[0100] In addition, the end switches 5a and 5b are used as switches for switching the display language or voice guidance language in the vehicle-mounted device, or as switches for reducing or enlarging characters and icons displayed on the screen or projected on the screen. It is also possible to output the text by voice or use it as a switch to start translation.

[0101] In addition, when a road map is displayed on the screen, and the navigation function performs route guidance, music data on a CD or HDD is played back in the background, and the terminal switch is used. When the switch is turned on, the current location of the vehicle in the displayed map is linked to the music being played, and the music being played is registered as a so-called theme song that indicates the point. It is also possible to configure so that the music is automatically played back when the music approaches.

[0102] Similarly, when the terminal switch is turned on while a telephone number or an e-mail address is selected and displayed in the information terminal function described above, the terminal is linked with the music being played in the background, and the telephone number or the like is called a ringtone melody. It is also possible to configure to register as

[0103] Further, as a method of retrieving a large amount of music data from the HDD or the like shown in the above application example, the following case can be considered. In the above application example, when searching for a desired song from a large amount of music data, it is stored in the order of the Japanese syllabary, folder, genre, artist, number of times played, recording time, date and time, and the media itself Power to search based on information If the music data to be recorded reaches, for example, from several thousand songs to 10,000 songs, it will take time to search even if it is gnoloped by the above method, Then, it is not appropriate because the gaze time for confirming the search process on a display or the like also increases.

[0104] Therefore, for example, when a list is configured in units of artists, songs of a favorite artist are arranged in a list before and after a song that has been played many times. It is also possible to perform a search by freely combining a plurality of such groups that are related to each other.This search method is realized by pressing the end switches 5a and 5b with the rotary knob 2 of the present invention. be able to. By combining a plurality of search methods in this manner, display switching processing for rearranging the list for each search method, that is, drawing processing is not required.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A controller provided with a rotary operation type rotary knob,

First output means for outputting a predetermined signal in a predetermined rotation area of the rotation knob; andsecond output means for outputting a second signal different from the signal when the rotation knob is positioned outside the rotation area. Output means;

A computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism.

[2] A controller provided with a rotary operation type rotary knob having a self-return mechanism, wherein a zero position at which the rotary knob automatically returns when the rotary knob is released,

A computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism.

[3] The rotation knob is rotatable left and right with respect to the zero position,

3. The controller according to claim 2, wherein the first output means and the second output means are provided on the left and right of the zero position, respectively.

[4] A controller having a sliding part of a slide operation type,

First output means for outputting a predetermined signal in a predetermined slide area of the sliding portion;

Second output means for outputting a second signal different from the signal when the sliding section is located outside the sliding area;

A computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism.

[5] A controller provided with a slide-operated sliding portion having a self-return mechanism, A zero position at which the sliding portion automatically returns when the sliding portion is released,

A computer, an electronic circuit, or a predetermined switch mechanism.

The sliding portion is slidable on both sides around the zero position,

6. The controller according to claim 5, wherein the first output means and the second output means are respectively provided on both sides of the zero position.