JP3770083B2 - Command input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a command input device that is used in a system that executes a predetermined operation in response to a command input from a user, and that inputs the command from the user in an interactive manner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, navigation systems and other systems that acquire commands from users in an interactive manner and execute predetermined operations in accordance with the commands are known. In a command input device used in such a system, there is a method of sequentially selecting desired commands hierarchically as a standard command input method. This is the user's instruction or the initial state displayed on the screen from the device side and presented to the user, and when the user selects a desired option, the subordinate options belonging to the selected option are displayed on the screen. This is an interactive command input method in which the user is presented again and selected again.
[0003]
For example, assuming a case where the system is used in a navigation system, a case where a search is performed from a list to set a destination will be described as an example. First, a menu screen is displayed when a user operates a mechanical switch or a switch display on the screen with a finger. Then, by selecting the destination according to the contents of the screen displayed in a hierarchical manner, such as destination setting → decision → designation with 50 readings → a → i → u …… (region → category) → select from list The desired destination can be set.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when setting such a destination, the user must perform 10 or more operations. Therefore, for example, even when it is desired to perform destination setting while stopped by a signal, it may be assumed that these operations are not completed during the stop. In general, it is difficult for a driver to watch and operate while driving a vehicle because there is a safety problem. You may leave the screen in the middle of the operation until the next stop timing.For example, if you need to display a map screen while driving, you can display a map around the current location even if the destination search operation is in progress. Will be displayed. In that case, when the next stop is performed by a signal or the like, it is necessary to redo the search operation that had been performed halfway last time from the beginning.
[0005]
From such a situation, for example, the vehicle must stop on the road side against the intention, and the travel must be started after the destination is set to the end, resulting in a loss of time. In addition, if you want to avoid such time loss, you may choose not to set the destination itself, which results in the fact that it is not fully used even though it has a useful function. End up.
[0006]
The present invention solves such a problem, and a plurality of operations are required until the completion of command input. Even if the operation is interrupted during the operation, the operation can be resumed from the intermediate layer next time. In this way, the purpose is to improve usability.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
According to the command input device according to claim 1, which is made to achieve the above object, when a plurality of operations are required to complete the command input, the display means displays a choice on the screen. However, if a command for temporarily saving (hereinafter referred to as a save command) is input without completing the command input, the screen at that time is displayed. If a command for redisplaying (hereinafter referred to as a redisplay command) is input from the user after that, the command input is performed based on the stored operating procedure. Redisplay the screen when it is not completed.
[0008]
For example, in the case of the destination setting described above, after the menu screen is displayed, the destination setting → decision → designation with 50 readings → a → yes → u …… (region → category) → select from list, If you enter a save command when the last list is displayed, for example, when the last list is displayed, then enter the redisplay command to display the middle level at the point of interruption, that is, the last list. You can resume from the displayed state. For this reason, for example, if it is adopted in an in-vehicle navigation system, the list display is made by the operation at the time of waiting for a signal, but even in a situation where driving must be started at that time, a save command is input. You can memorize the operating procedures up to that point. And even if the map screen is displayed while driving, if the redisplay command is input when the next stop is caused by a signal or the like, the list that was displayed when the operation was interrupted is suddenly displayed. Therefore, it is only necessary to execute an operation of selecting a desired one therefrom.
By the way, if there is only one operation procedure to be stored, the “screen when command input is not completed” can be displayed again without any problem by the redisplay command. However, a plurality of operation procedures may be stored. Even in such a case, according to the command input device of the present invention, the history of the procedure for redisplaying is stored, and the stored redisplaying procedure history in response to a request from the user Is notified to the user. In this way, a screen based on a desired one among a plurality of operation procedures can be displayed again.
[0009]
Note that the screen when the above-described hierarchical selection operation is interrupted at an intermediate level is an example of a screen when command input is not completed, and does not necessarily have to be hierarchical. For example, a screen may be displayed when an operation for inputting a plurality of numbers / characters is interrupted, such as when a telephone number is input. Even if it is necessary to interrupt several numbers one by one with a mechanical switch, etc., you can enter them continuously by entering the save command and redisplay command. It becomes. In other words, it is not necessary to input numbers again from the beginning.
[0010]
Further, for example, when a desired option cannot be found unless the screen is scrolled, the screen after scrolling when the scroll operation is performed but the option is not selected is also the screen when the command input is not completed. As an example. In this case, it is convenient to save the screen obtained by the scroll operation and display it again so that the operation can be continued from the state immediately before the operation was interrupted.
[0011]
The method for the user to input the command may be input by voice or input by an operation on a mechanical switch .
[0012]
In addition, when the user inputs a save command, considering that the save of the operation procedure is not always successful, the user is notified whether the operation procedure is stored according to the save command. (Claim 6 ). This notification may be a screen display or may be notified by voice.
[0013]
On the other hand, when the operation procedure is stored, it is also preferable to display the screen so that the user can recognize it (claim 7 ). In this case, if the user looks at the screen when he / she wants to re-display, it can be determined whether the operation procedure is stored and re-display is possible, or conversely it is not stored and cannot be re-displayed.
[0014]
The command input device described above can be used for any system that executes a predetermined operation in response to a command input by a user. For example, in the case of a navigation system, the command input device is used for a user to input a necessary command specified when the navigation system performs a navigation process (claim 8 ). In particular, when an on-vehicle navigation system is assumed, as described above, it is a safety problem for a driver to watch and operate while driving a vehicle, and operations during driving are not accepted. Therefore, it can be said that the effect is great.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. Needless to say, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle navigation system as an embodiment. In this navigation system, an operation switch unit 4 including a voice recognition device 1 and a talk switch 1a, a mechanism switch 2 and a remote control switch 3, an operation status from the operation switch unit 4 and the like are input to control the entire navigation system. An operation control unit 5 that performs the present operation, a current position calculation unit 6 that calculates the current position of the host vehicle, a route calculation unit 7 that calculates an appropriate route (recommended route) to the destination based on the destination set by the user, and a route Based on the recommended route calculated by the calculation unit 7, a guidance control unit 8 that performs a control process for providing the user with guidance necessary for smoothly driving the vehicle by voice or a simple map, a map data search unit 9 , An operation procedure storage unit 10, an audio output control unit 11, a speaker 12, a display control unit 13, and a display 14.
[0017]
Next, the operation control unit 5 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and a bus line for connecting these configurations.
The current position calculation unit 6 has a GPS receiver for GPS (Global Positioning System) that detects the position of the vehicle based on, for example, a known gyroscope, a distance sensor, and radio waves from a satellite. . Since these sensors have errors of different properties, they are configured to be used while being interpolated by a plurality of sensors. Depending on the accuracy, a part of the above may be used, and a geomagnetic sensor, a steering rotation sensor, a wheel sensor for each rolling wheel, and the like may be used.
[0018]
The map data search unit 9 is a device for inputting various data including so-called map matching data, map data, and landmark data for improving the accuracy of position detection. As a medium, a CD-ROM or DVD is generally used because of the amount of data, but another medium such as a memory card may be used.
[0019]
On the other hand, the operation procedure storage unit 10 is for storing the contents operated by the user via the operation switch unit 4, that is, the operation procedure.
The display 14 is composed of, for example, a color display. On the screen, the vehicle current position mark input from the current position calculation unit 6, the map data input from the map data search unit 9, and further displayed on the map. Additional data such as guidance routes to be set and landmarks of setting points to be described later can be displayed in an overlapping manner.
[0020]
As the mechanism switch 2, for example, a touch switch or a mechanical switch integrated with the display 14 is used, and is used for a destination for route calculation and various inputs. Further, the same instruction input as that of the mechanism switch 2 can be performed via the remote control switch 3. The voice recognition device 1 is used for the mechanism switch 2 or the remote control switch 3 to instruct a destination or the like by manual operation, but the destination or the like can be similarly determined by the user inputting a voice. It is a device for making it possible to give instructions. The operation switch unit 4 does not necessarily include all of the voice recognition device 1, the mechanism switch 2, and the remote control switch 3, and any one of them can input a desired instruction. However, in this embodiment, it is assumed that there are three in consideration of convenience.
[0021]
The voice recognition device 1 converts a voice signal input via a microphone (not shown) into a form that can be processed by A / D conversion or the like, and inputs the voice by collating it with predetermined dictionary data. Recognize the contents. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the voice input method according to the present embodiment is a usage method in which a user inputs voice through a microphone while pressing the talk switch 1a. Specifically, when the talk switch 1a is pressed, the voice input process through the microphone is executed. When the talk switch 1a is not pressed, the voice input process is not executed.
[0022]
By having such a configuration, in the navigation system of the present embodiment, various processes such as route setting, route guidance, facility search, and facility display can be executed by the user inputting a command. When the command is input, the choices are displayed on the display 14 and input in an interactive manner. If the save command is input without completing the command input, the operation procedure until the screen at that time is displayed is displayed. By memorizing and then inputting a redisplay command, it is possible to redisplay the screen when the command input is not completed based on the stored operation procedure.
[0023]
This is an effective measure in the following situation, for example. For example, there may be a situation in which a user who wants to set a route while waiting for a signal has been able to display a predetermined list halfway through a series of operations, but must start traveling at that point. In that case, a save command can be input to store the operation procedure up to that point. And even if the map screen is displayed while driving, if you enter a redisplay command when you stop at the next signal etc., the list that was displayed when the operation was interrupted will be displayed suddenly Therefore, an operation of selecting a desired one can be executed.
[0024]
Now, a procedure for executing screen storage / redisplay will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, FIG. 2 shows a procedure for saving a screen.
It is determined whether or not the map screen is being displayed (S2) while the vehicle is traveling using the navigation system (S1). When the map screen is being displayed (S2: YES), there is no need to save the screen, so the process returns to the travel using the navigation system (S1) without doing anything special.
[0025]
On the other hand, when the map screen is not displayed (S2: NO), an instruction to save the screen is accepted. A state in which the map screen is not displayed even though the navigation system is used is considered to be a state in which the user is trying to perform an operation such as inputting a destination for route setting. The destination setting is performed by the following procedure, for example. When a menu display command is input via the operation switch unit 4 while the map screen is displayed, the menu screen is displayed on the display 14. Then, a command for selecting “Destination setting” from the menu is input, and further, a command for determining the selection contents is input. Then, for example, a command for displaying a screen for designating by reading aloud is input, and each command such as A → I → U (region → category) → select from list is input. As described above, a desired destination can be set by sequentially selecting according to the contents of the screens that are sequentially displayed hierarchically. However, as described above, the operation must be temporarily interrupted in the middle of the series of operations. Enter a save command when a situation occurs.
[0026]
The save command is performed either by voice input or input by manual operation of the switch. In the case of voice input, when the talk switch 1a is pressed (S3: YES), the voice recognition device 1 takes in a voice signal input via a microphone (not shown) and can process data by A / D conversion or the like. (S4). Then, the converted data is checked against predetermined dictionary data to recognize the content inputted by voice (S5). In the operation control unit 5, when the recognition processing result from the voice recognition device 1 is input and the voice recognition is successful (S6: YES), and the command is also recognized successfully (S7: YES). The operation procedure up to the currently displayed screen is stored (saved) in the operation procedure storage unit 10 (S8).
[0027]
The command contents that the user should input (speak) when instructing the screen save command by voice input are, for example, “Copy”, “Save”, “Keep”, “Stay the screen”, “Keep the screen” Or the like. Further, a word such as “that screen ()” may be added before these. That is, “copy the screen”.
[0028]
On the other hand, when the switch operation for saving the screen is performed via the mechanism switch 2 or the remote control switch 3 (S9), unlike the case of voice input, the screen saving command is surely input. Migrate and execute screen save processing.
If the screen saving process is successful (S10: YES), normal processing is performed (S11). Specifically, the fact that the screen storage is successful is talked back via the speaker 12 and displayed on the display 14 on-screen. For example, the message “screen saved” is displayed in talkback and on-screen. In this case, after that, a mark indicating that the screen is being saved is displayed on the screen. For example, the characters “saving” may be used, or an icon may be displayed indicating that the screen is being saved.
[0029]
On the other hand, when the screen saving process fails (S10: NO), the error system (1) is performed (S12). Specifically, for example, a talkback and on-screen display indicating that “screen saving failed” is displayed. In this case, a mark indicating that the screen is being saved is not displayed on the screen.
[0030]
If voice input is used, command recognition may fail. In this case (S7: NO), error system (2) processing is performed (S13). Specifically, other commands are erroneously recognized, and as a result, the erroneously recognized commands are talkbacked. Furthermore, when the voice recognition itself fails (S6: NO), a recognition impossible process is performed (S14). Specifically, a talk back and on-screen display is made to the effect that “it could not be recognized”.
[0031]
Next, FIG. 3 shows a procedure for redisplaying the saved screen.
This screen redisplay accepts the instruction when traveling using the navigation system (S20). This screen redisplay command is also performed by either voice input or manual input of a switch, like the save command. In the case of voice input, when the talk switch 1a is pressed (S21: YES), the voice recognition device 1 takes in a voice signal (S22) and recognizes the voice (S23). If the voice recognition has succeeded (S24: YES) and the command has also been successfully recognized (S25: YES), it is determined whether there is a storage screen (S26).
[0032]
Note that, for example, “return”, “continue”, “Come back the screen”, and the like are conceivable as command contents that the user should input (speak) when instructing a screen redisplay command by voice input. In addition, a word such as “the previous screen ()” may be added in front of these. That is, “return the screen”.
[0033]
On the other hand, when a switch operation for redisplaying the screen is performed via the mechanism switch 2 or the remote control switch 3 (S27), unlike the case of voice input, the screen redisplay command is surely input. The process proceeds to S26 to determine whether there is a save screen.
[0034]
If the screen is stored (S26: YES), the operation procedure stored (saved) in the operation procedure storage unit 10 is extracted (S28). Actually, the screen itself is not saved, but the operation procedure for redisplaying the screen when the save command is input is stored, but here, it is synonymous with it. "The screen is saved."
[0035]
If the screen extraction processing is successful (S29: YES), normal processing is performed (S30). Specifically, for example, a talkback and on-screen display indicating that “the screen is redisplayed” is performed. In this case, the mark indicating that the screen is being saved that has been displayed on the screen until then is deleted.
[0036]
On the other hand, if the screen extraction process fails (S29: NO), the error system (1) is performed (S31). Specifically, for example, a talkback and on-screen display indicating that “screen extraction has failed” is performed. In this case, the mark displayed on the screen and indicating that the screen is being saved is displayed as it is. Therefore, for example, a command for redisplaying the screen is input again.
[0037]
If the command recognition fails (S25: NO), the error system (2) is performed (S32). Specifically, other commands are erroneously recognized, and as a result, the erroneously recognized commands are talkbacked. Furthermore, when the speech recognition itself fails (S24: NO), a process of not allowing recognition is performed (S33). Specifically, a talk back and on-screen display is made to the effect that “it could not be recognized”.
[0038]
Further, when a screen redisplay command is input by voice input or manual switch operation, there is a case where there is no saved screen itself. In that case (S26: NO), the error system (3) is processed (S34). Specifically, for example, a message “screen is not saved” is displayed in talkback and on-screen.
[0039]
In this embodiment, when a command is input via the mechanism switch 2 or the remote control switch 3, the screen storage switch and the screen re-display switch are distinguished from each other. However, these may be the same switch. It may be a separate switch. That is, the same switch may function as a screen storage switch when the screen is not stored, and may function as a screen redisplay switch when the screen is stored.
[0040]
In addition, the above-described list search for destination setting is a typical example that requires a hierarchical selection operation, but of course, it is not limited to such a search operation. For example, editing of memory points is a frequently used function, but the editing often requires a plurality of screen operations. Therefore, even in this case, it is very troublesome to restart the interrupted editing operation from the beginning, but if the screen can be saved and redisplayed as in this embodiment, the user can immediately return to the memory location editing screen, and the user can Thereafter, the editing process can be completed with a small number of operations.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the operation procedure storage unit 10 corresponds to an operation procedure storage unit, and the operation control unit 5 corresponds to a re-display control unit.
Thus, according to the navigation system of the present embodiment, when a plurality of operations are required to complete the command input, by inputting the save command without completing the command input, The operation procedure up to the display of the screen at that time can be stored, and if a redisplay command is input after that, the screen at the time when the command input is not completed based on the stored operation procedure Can be redisplayed. For this reason, for example, even when the signal list operation is used to display a predetermined list, even if it is necessary to start traveling at that time, the operation procedure up to that point is stored and the map is displayed while traveling. Even if the screen is displayed, the list that was displayed when the operation was interrupted can be suddenly displayed when the operation is interrupted by a signal or the like next time. Therefore, it is sufficient to perform an operation of selecting a desired one from there, and the usability is very good.
[0042]
[Others]
(1) The operation procedure in the case of the above embodiment is a screen when the hierarchical selection operation is interrupted in the middle hierarchy, but it is not necessarily hierarchical, for example, when inputting a telephone number or the like In this way, the screen may be displayed when an operation for inputting a plurality of numbers / characters is interrupted. In this case, by inputting the save command and the redisplay command, it is possible to input from the continuation, and it is not necessary to input numbers again from the beginning.
[0043]
Also, the present invention can be applied to the screen after scrolling when the screen scroll operation is performed but no option is selected. In this case, it is convenient to save the screen obtained by the scroll operation and display it again so that the operation can be continued from the state immediately before the operation was interrupted.
[0044]
(2) In the above embodiment, only one operation procedure is stored, but a plurality of operation procedures may be used. In that case, the history of the procedure for redisplay is stored, and the stored redisplay procedure history is notified to the user in response to a request from the user. And what is necessary is just to redisplay the screen based on the procedure selected from them. However, in practice, it is considered that it is more preferable to use one operation procedure for saving as in the above embodiment because there is no trouble of selection and there is no confusion.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for saving a screen.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for redisplaying a screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Voice recognition apparatus, 1a ... Talk switch, 2 ... Mechanism switch, 3 ... Remote control switch, 4 ... Operation switch part, 5 ... Operation control part, 6 ... Current position calculation part, 7 ... Path | route calculation part, 8 ... Guidance control Unit 9 map data search unit 10 operation procedure storage unit 11 sound output control unit 12 speaker 13 display control unit 14 display

Claims (8)

Used in a system that performs a predetermined operation in response to a command input by a user. When multiple operations are required to complete the input of the command, the display means displays options on the screen. A command input device capable of interactive input,
If the user inputs a command to temporarily save the state when the command input that requires multiple operations is not completed, the operation until the current screen is displayed. Operation procedure storage means for storing the procedure;
Thereafter, when a command for redisplaying is input from the user, a redisplay control for redisplaying the screen when the command input is not completed based on the operation procedure stored in the operation procedure storage unit Means,
Re-display procedure history storage means for storing a history of procedures for re-displaying the saved screen when the command input is not completed ,
By redisplaying the screen by the redisplay control means, the operation can be continued from the state immediately before the operation is interrupted , and
The command display device, wherein the redisplay control means notifies the user of the redisplay procedure history stored in the redisplay procedure history storage means in response to a request from the user . The command input device according to claim 1,
The screen when the command input is not completed is a screen when a hierarchical selection operation is interrupted at an intermediate level. The command input device according to claim 1,
The command input device is characterized in that the screen when the command input is not completed is a screen when an operation to input a plurality of numbers / characters is interrupted. The command input device according to claim 1,
The screen when the command input is not completed is a screen after scrolling when all the options cannot be displayed unless the screen is scrolled, and the scroll operation is performed but no options are selected. A command input device characterized by being. In the command input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The command input device, wherein the user inputs the command is input by voice or input by operating a mechanical switch. In the command input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
When a command to save is input from the user, the command input device is configured to notify the user whether or not an operation procedure is stored in the operation procedure storage unit according to the command. . In the command input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
When the operation procedure is stored in the operation procedure storage means, the command input device displays the screen so that the user can recognize it. In the command input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The system in which the command input device is used is a navigation system, and the command input device is used for a user to input a necessary command specified when the navigation system executes a navigation process. Command input device characterized by being a thing.

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