Navigation system

The invention relates to a navigation device, in particular for installation in a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Generic navigation devices with a monitor, on which a map can be displayed, in particular generally for use in motor vehicles known. From the state of the art navigation devices are known in which a cursor on the map can be moved by means of a joystick. It is However, due to the presence in a vehicle, limited Space undesirable for the purpose of cursor control an additional component, in this case, a joystick, provide that either do not for other purposes or be at least used only in a very limited extent can.

In another known from the prior art navigation apparatus The cursor can by means of a rocker switch being controlled. Also, here is an additional component needed, which is why this solution is unsatisfactory. This variant has the further disadvantage that the cursor may be moved only along the eight directions. So designed it to be cumbersome, the cursor along any directions to move.

The same applies to another of the prior art known navigation apparatus, in which a Rotary switch first the one coordinate of the cursor on the Sollkoordinate is brought, then, according to one triggered by pressing the rotary switch Switching, the other perpendicular to the first running.

From US 4,608,656 a road map display for a car is known, wherein a kind of cursor is shown in the center of the display, the position of the reflects the car on the road map and indicates the direction of travel. During the car ride, the card is automatically moved so that If the cursor is always in the center of the map. In addition, the Map according to the direction rotated. To enter the initial position the vehicle is provided a joystick pair. In addition, a so-called scale selection unit is provided with which the scale of the Road map may be selected. The center is preferably obtained at this scale election. When operating a keyboard and the aforementioned joystick pair used.

In the same context, made to EP 0961198 A2, the contents of which belongs to the state of the art under Article 54 (3) and (4) EPC and for the contracting states DE, ES, FR. and GB were named. Out this document is an electronic device with a rotary switch and known a display screen for displaying information. The screen can either display a menu for selecting functions, with the help of the rotary switch, a cursor is moved on the screen. The screen can also also show a map section, which with The rotary switch can be moved. Here first, the selection the direction of movement at standstill of the cursor or the map section by rotating the rotary switch. Movement of the cursor or the map section is then effected by an axial movement of the rotary switch.

Against this background, the invention aims to provide a generic further develop the navigation device in such a way that they Controlling a cursor in a simple and easy way Way permits, the space required for the control device possible should be kept small.

This object is solved by a navigation device according to the Features of claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly practical refinements of the invention.

The invention assumes that the cursor control in two specific aims can be broken down: for a choice of a direction of movement of Cursors, on the other hand triggering, or performing a movement the cursor. According to the invention, therefore, a navigation device is provided, comprising a rotary switch, where in a first operating mode the rotary switch, regardless of by rotation of the rotary switch a movement of the cursor a direction of movement of the cursor on the Image is selected and in a further operating mode of the rotary switch by rotation of the rotary switch another object is executable. Thereby, the rotary switch is particularly space-saving. For the user gives the feeling that he would move the cursor, preferably as an arrow, turned by hand. In this manner, the direction of movement cursor - not only in its standstill but also during it moves - also be adjusted very flexibly, and the user is not like in other devices on a movement in only eight different directions, such. as left, right, bound up and down. The use of a rotary switch is therefore particularly advantageous, as such, compared to a rocker switch or a joystick, anyway in almost every is automobile available. By using an already existing rotary switch, for example, in another axial position, the function of the cursor control without additional component, ie without additional and realized space requirements with minimal additional cost will.

By rotating the rotary switch in a further its operating mode, the scale of the picture selected. while the rotary switch, for example, in other axial Positions, even for other operating functions of Navigation device is used, the ease of use is the navigation device further increased.

An advantageous development of the invention provides, that the center of the image at the scale dial is maintained because the user on the monitor the visible image cutout is choose instinctively so, that the area of ​​interest to him the figure almost is located in the middle.

In one development of the invention, by actuating the rotary switch, for example, by rotating the Rotary switch or axial force on the rotary switch, in another operating mode, the motion of a Cursor along or against a selected direction be executed or initiated, whereby the operator of the Navigation device is further simplified, since the User his hand or his fingers for the movement the cursor does not have to reposition. Assigns Rotary switch several operating modes on this function preferably with the extreme positions of the rotary switch, ie pushed in or pulled out completely linked. The triggering or performing a movement of the cursor can in this case either before or after setting a direction of movement the cursor done. For triggering of a movement come before setting a direction of movement as Default direction preferably in question the last set direction of movement, the movement along a previously set route or in the direction of a previously entered destination. The initial direction of the cursor can then during the movement of the cursor through rotation of the Rotary switch to change in the desired direction.

If the movement of the cursor by axial force the rotary switch, for example over a predetermined Time triggered results, the advantage that particularly with a longer movement of the cursor in a direction not as prolonged rotating the rotary switch in a Direction must be nachgegriffen repeatedly, but, that the hand or fingers during the cursor movement in Similarly, remain positioned at the rotary switch can.

It may be provided further that by rotation of the Rotary switch in a further operating mode a function is selectable. By such an embodiment, the attachment numerous function keys superfluous and the Operating unit of the navigation device according to the invention uncluttered. The function enables the Operating mode and / or at least one of the further its operating modes set. The operating mode could be selected consequently by rotation of the rotary switch, whereby a very large number of different is selectable operating modes, so that all the rotary switch necessary for the use of the navigation device Operations can be performed.

A further embodiment of the invention provides, that the operating mode and / or at least one of the further Operating modes by the operation of at least one other Rotary, pressure and / or sliding switch is adjustable.

This embodiment is particularly of great advantage, if the operating mode has to be changed very often.

In an advantageous development of the invention is the Operating mode and / or at least one of the further Operating modes by at least an axial force over a predetermined time on the rotary switch, preferably against a spring force, adjustable. These Training is particularly easy to use, if only few operating modes are used.

In the following an embodiment of the invention will be described drawings.

It shows<dl tsize="8"><dt>Figure 1:</dt><dd>a schematic representation of a rotary switch the navigation device according to the invention in a plan view;</dd><dt>Figure 2:</dt><dd>a schematic representation of the rotary switch according to Figure 1 in a side view; and</dd><dt>Figure 3:</dt><dd>a schematic representation of a monitor of the Navigation device according to the invention.</dd></dl>

In an ergonomically favorable for the user's location a motor vehicle, a rotary switch 10 mounted, the in Figures 1 and 2 is shown. This rotary switch 10 in addition to the operation of the navigation device also for other purposes, ie to operate other Devices in the motor vehicle used, for example, for operating a car telephone, a CD player, and the like. This rotary switch 10 is, as indicated by arrows 30 indicated, with and rotatable counterclockwise and also by an axial movement in various Positions can be transferred, whereby the user at the transition between the different axial positions of a haptic Feedback experiences. The rotary switch 10 has a first Recess 12 and a second recess 14, in the Locking elements 16 can snap, so that the rotary switch 10 fixed in two different axial positions can. A movement from the position shown in Figure 2 Equilibrium position out takes place against the force of a Spring 18th

The navigation apparatus also includes a monitor 20 , which is schematically depicted in Figure 3 and in a Motor vehicle is mounted so that it for the user is clearly visible.

The individual axial positions are different Operating modes correlated with the operating modes and their Setting below with reference to Figures 2 and 3 to be discribed.

A first axial position is the press Rotary switch 10 to a noticeable stop set, wherein the locking elements 16 to the first Recess 12 engage. On the monitor 20 is in a first display panel 22 of the operating mode "scaling" displayed. In addition, on the monitor 20 in a second display 24 shows a display sign a current scale of a map shown reproduces. By the rotation of the rotary switch 10 can now the scale of the map is changed, the map the current scale on the same Monitor 20 is shown. The rotational movement of the rotary switch 10 set, the current magnification is stored and remains until a subsequent get scale change.

A second axial position starting from the first Axial with light pressure on the rotary switch 10 against the spring force to achieve 18th In this position, engages the rotary switch 10 is not a, but is this Position for a predetermined time taken can, thereby select another operating mode. The characterized selected operating mode "cursor movement-arrow direction" is turn on the monitor 20 in the first display field 22 displayed. On the monitor 20 is now also a cursor to detect 26 which starts in a default direction to move. The speed of the cursor movement may with the imaging scale of the map in an appropriate manner be correlated. Thus, by rotating the rotary switch 10 brought about a change in the direction of movement of the cursor 26 be, as indicated by the arrows 32nd Here, the cursor 26 as an arrow on the monitor 20 be presented to its direction of movement to clarify. By pressing the rotary switch 10 in the second axial position for a predetermined Time, the operating mode "cursor movement-arrow" to leave again.

A third axial position is from the first Axial stopped by tightening the rotary switch 10 to reach. The locking elements 16 engage the Members felt in the second recess 14 of the Rotary switch 10 a. A previously selected route will is on the map highlighted and also The current operating mode "cursor movement-route" in the first display panel 22 displayed on the monitor 20th By the rotation of the rotary switch 10 leaves the cursor 26 move along the route previously selected.

Starting from the third axial position leads to the fourth axial position by pulling the knob 10th

In one embodiment, the navigation apparatus is a map callable, the comprises a menu 28 with at least one function.

A development of the navigation device provides that the corresponding function information about one of a current cursor position Taking to a radius of the corresponding point on the Map are available.

It can further be provided that the function of the current Cursor position corresponding point on the map as a destination or waypoint is settable.

In a further embodiment the navigation device is the Operating mode and / or at least one of the additional operating through axial movement of the rotary switch 10 adjustable.

In a further alternative embodiment, the Cursor movement direction at standstill of the cursor 26 be adjusted. Once the settings then by operation of the rotary switch 10 a movement of Cursor 26 triggered in this direction, this Direction modified by rotating the rotary switch 10 can be.

In a further alternative embodiment, a switching the operating modes, for example, by an opposite a spring 18 mounted rotary switch 10 effected, wherein the different operating modes cycled be a unique and briefly pressing the rotary switch 10 with a first operating mode, two times of short succession Done Press a second Mode of operation is so correlated.