JP4023259B2 - NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND MAP DISPLAY METHOD PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a navigation system and a map display method program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a navigation device, for example, a current position of a vehicle, that is, a current position, is detected by GPS (Global Positioning System), and a rotation angular velocity of a vehicle detected by a gyro sensor, that is, based on a turning angle, The direction of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle direction”) is detected, map data is read from the data recording unit, a map screen is formed on the display of the display unit, and the current location and the surroundings of the current location are displayed on the map screen. A map and the direction of the vehicle are displayed. Therefore, the driver who is an operator can drive the vehicle according to the current location displayed on the map screen, the map around the current location, and the direction of the vehicle.
[0003]
When the driver sets a destination and sets search conditions, a route from the current location to the destination is searched based on the search conditions. The searched route, that is, the searched route is displayed on the searched route display screen formed on the display as an image, or is output by voice by a message from the voice output unit, and is guided to the driver. Is done. Therefore, the driver can drive the vehicle according to the guided search route.
[0004]
By the way, communication is carried out between one's own vehicle, that is, the own vehicle, and another vehicle, that is, another vehicle, and is displayed on the map screen by the own vehicle position represented by the current location of the own vehicle and the current location of the other vehicle. There is provided a navigation device that displays the position of another vehicle to be displayed.
[0005]
In this case, since it is necessary to display the own vehicle position and the other vehicle position on one map screen, the distance between the own vehicle position and the other vehicle position within the drawing range on the image memory (hereinafter referred to as “inter-vehicle distance”). And a scale for forming a map screen corresponding to the calculated inter-vehicle distance is calculated and determined (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-189561).
[0006]
Therefore, the driver can drive the vehicle while recognizing the vehicle position and the other vehicle position on the map screen.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional navigation device, when the inter-vehicle distance is large, the scale is reduced to display the vehicle position and the other vehicle position on one map screen, and a wide area map is displayed on the map screen. It is necessary to display the vehicle and other vehicles on the wide area map. As a result, the information that can be displayed on the map screen is reduced accordingly, and it becomes difficult to recognize the road conditions around the vehicle position.
[0008]
The present invention solves the problems of the conventional navigation device, makes it possible to drive the vehicle while recognizing the position of the own vehicle and the position of the other vehicle, and easily recognizes the road conditions around the position of the own vehicle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a navigation system and a map display method program that can perform the above-described functions.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in the navigation system of the present invention, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, a display unit, an audio output unit, and another vehicle position acquisition processing unit that acquires the position of another vehicle represented by the current position of the other vehicle, A display processing means for displaying the own vehicle position represented by the current position of the own vehicle, a map around the own vehicle position, and other vehicle positions within the drawing range by the display unit, and other vehicle positions outside the drawing range. Voice output processing means for guiding the voice by the voice output unit.
[0010]
In another navigation system of the present invention, the display processing means further includes a first area display processing means for displaying the own vehicle position in the first map display area, and a position within the own vehicle position and drawing range. Second area display processing means for displaying the vehicle position in the second map display area is provided.
[0011]
Still another navigation system of the present invention further includes other vehicle position determination processing means for determining whether or not the other vehicle position falls within the drawing range.
[0012]
Still another navigation system of the present invention further includes own vehicle information transmission processing means for transmitting information of the own vehicle to the information center and other vehicle information reception processing means for receiving information of other vehicles from the information center. .
[0013]
Then, the other vehicle position acquisition processing means acquires the other vehicle position from the received other vehicle information.
[0014]
In still another navigation system of the present invention, the voice output processing means guides according to the necessity of voice guidance set in advance.
[0015]
In still another navigation system of the present invention, the voice output processing means performs voice guidance when the number of other vehicle positions out of the drawing range is smaller than a threshold value.
[0016]
In the program of the map display method of the present invention, the computer uses other vehicle position acquisition processing means for acquiring the other vehicle position represented by the current location of the other vehicle, the own vehicle position represented by the current location of the own vehicle, and the own vehicle position. A display processing means for displaying a map around the vehicle and other vehicle positions that fall within the drawing range by the display unit, and a voice output processing means for guiding the other vehicle position outside the drawing range by voice using the voice output unit Let
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
In the figure, 21 is a GPS as a current location detection unit for detecting the current location, 35 is a display unit, 37 is an audio output unit, 92 is another vehicle position acquisition processing means for acquiring the position of another vehicle represented by the current location of the other vehicle, Reference numeral 90 is a display processing means for displaying the own vehicle position represented by the current location of the own vehicle, a map around the own vehicle position, and other vehicle positions within the drawing range, and 94 is other than the drawing range. Voice output processing means for guiding the vehicle position by voice by the voice output unit.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021]
In the figure, reference numeral 14 denotes a navigation device as an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle. The navigation device 14 records navigation information such as a current location detection processing unit 15 for detecting the current location, map data, road data, search data, and the like. A data recording unit 16 serving as an information recording unit, a navigation processing unit 17 that functions as a computer based on various programs, data, etc., and that performs various arithmetic processes such as navigation processing based on the input information; Input unit 34 as a first input device, a display unit 35 as a display means and a first output device, a voice input unit 36 as a second input device, and a voice output unit 37 as a second output device. A communication unit 38 as a first transmission / reception unit, and a communication terminal 39 as a second transmission / reception unit. A vehicle speed sensor 41 is connected to the down processor 17.
[0022]
The current location detection processing unit 15 includes a GPS (global positioning system) 21 as a current location detection unit, a geomagnetic sensor 22, a distance sensor 23, a steering sensor 24, a gyro sensor 26 as an orientation detection unit, an altimeter (not shown), and the like. .
[0023]
The GPS 21 detects the present location on the earth by receiving radio waves generated by artificial satellites, the geomagnetic sensor 22 detects the vehicle direction by measuring geomagnetism, and the distance sensor 23 A distance between predetermined positions on the road is detected. Examples of the distance sensor 23 include a sensor that measures the rotational speed of a wheel (not shown) and detects a distance based on the rotational speed, a sensor that measures acceleration, integrates the acceleration twice, and detects a distance. Can be used.
[0024]
The steering sensor 24 detects a rudder angle, and the steering sensor 24 is attached to, for example, an optical rotation sensor, a rotation resistance sensor, or a wheel attached to a rotating portion of a steering wheel (not shown). An angle sensor or the like is used.
[0025]
The gyro sensor 26 detects a turning angle. As the gyro sensor 26, for example, a gas rate gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like is used. Further, by integrating the turning angle detected by the gyro sensor 26, the vehicle direction can be detected.
[0026]
The GPS 21 can detect the current location independently. The current position can also be detected by combining the distance detected by the distance sensor 23 with the vehicle direction detected by the geomagnetic sensor 22 or the turning angle detected by the gyro sensor 26. Further, the current location can be detected by combining the distance detected by the distance sensor 23 and the steering angle detected by the steering sensor 24.
[0027]
The data recording unit 16 includes a database including data files such as a map data file, an intersection data file, a node data file, a road data file, a search data file, a facility information data file, and the like. On the map screen formed on the display (not shown) of the unit 35, a predetermined map, a searched route, a destination, etc. are displayed, a characteristic photograph of the intersection or route, a frame diagram, etc. are displayed, or until the next intersection Various data for displaying guidance information such as the distance and the traveling direction at the next intersection is recorded.
[0028]
For example, the intersection data file includes intersection data relating to each intersection, the node data file includes node data relating to node points, the road data file includes road data relating to roads, and the search data file includes a search for searching for a route. Data is recorded, and road condition data representing road conditions is constituted by the intersection data, node data, road data, search data, and the like. The node data includes data indicating actual road branch points (including intersections, T-junctions, etc.), node points, and inter-node point links that connect the node points.
[0029]
And, according to the road data, the width of the road itself, the slope (gradient), the cant, the bank, the road surface state, the number of lanes of the road, the location where the number of lanes decreases, the location where the width becomes narrow, etc. Radius of curvature, intersection, T-junction, corner entrance, etc., road attributes, downhill roads, uphill roads, etc., road types, general roads such as national roads, prefectural roads, narrow streets, highways, urban highways Expresses highways and toll roads such as toll roads. Further, the road data represents a railroad crossing, a highway entrance and exit road (rampway), a highway / toll road tollgate, and the like.
[0030]
In the facility information data file, facility information of facilities such as hotels, gas stations, parking lots, and sightseeing spots in each region is recorded as facility information data. The data recording unit 16 also records various data for outputting predetermined information by the audio output unit 37.
[0031]
The navigation processing unit 17 includes an arithmetic device that controls the entire navigation device 14 and a CPU 31 as a control device, and a DRAM as a first recording medium used as a working memory when the CPU 31 performs various arithmetic processes. In addition to RAM 32 such as SRAM, MRAM, and FeRAM, and a control program, a second recording medium on which various programs for searching a route to a destination, route guidance, determining a specific section, and the like are recorded The input unit 34, the display unit 35, the voice input unit 36, the voice output unit 37, and the communication unit 38 are connected to the navigation processing unit 17. A semiconductor memory, a magnetic core, or the like is used as the RAM 32, ROM 33, or the like. In addition to the RAM 32, the ROM 33, and the like, a flash memory (not shown) as a third recording medium can be disposed in the navigation processing unit 17. An MPU or the like can be used instead of the CPU 31 as the arithmetic device and the control device.
[0032]
In addition to a magnetic disk (not shown) such as a hard disk or a flexible disk as a fourth recording medium disposed as an external storage medium, the data recording unit 16 is similarly provided as a fifth recording medium disposed as an external storage medium. A magnetic tape, magnetic drum, CD, MD, DVD, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, or the like as a medium, and a head such as a read / write head (not shown) for reading and writing various information Is provided.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, various programs are recorded in the ROM 33 and various data are recorded in the data recording unit 16, but the programs, data, and the like are recorded in the same external storage device. You can also. In this case, for example, the navigation memory 17 may be provided with the flash memory, and the program, data, and the like may be read from the external storage device and written to the flash memory. Therefore, the program, data, etc. can be updated by exchanging the external storage device. When an automatic transmission control device is mounted to control an automatic transmission (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, the external storage device also stores control programs, data, and the like for the automatic transmission control device. Can be recorded.
[0034]
The input unit 34 is used to correct the current location at the start of travel, to input a starting point and a destination, and to operate the communication unit 38. An image is displayed on the screen formed on the display. It consists of various displayed keys, switches, buttons, etc. Therefore, an input can be performed by touching (pressing down) the operation switch. As the input unit 34, a keyboard, a mouse, a barcode reader, a light pen, a remote control device for remote operation, a joystick, or the like disposed separately from the display unit 35 can be used.
[0035]
On the various screens formed on the display, operation guidance, operation menus, key guidance, a search route from the current location to the destination, guidance information along the search route, FM multiplex broadcast programs, etc. are displayed. Is displayed. As the display unit 35, a display such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or a plasma display can be used, or a hologram device that projects a hologram on a windshield of a vehicle can be used.
[0036]
The voice input unit 36 includes a microphone (not shown) and the like, and can input necessary information by voice. Furthermore, the voice output unit 37 includes a voice synthesizer and a speaker (not shown). The voice output unit 37 synthesizes the search route, the guidance information, the shift information, the other vehicle position, and the like by, for example, a voice synthesizer. Is output. In addition to the voice synthesized by the voice synthesizer, various sounds, various guidance information recorded in advance on a tape, a memory, and the like can be output.
[0037]
The communication unit 38 receives information transmitted from a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) center (not shown) as a first information provider, which is not shown along the road. As a beacon receiver (not shown) as a first receiving device that receives a radio beacon, an optical beacon, etc. via a radio beacon device, an optical beacon device, etc., as a second receiving device that receives FM multiplex broadcast via an FM broadcast station The beacon receiver receives traffic information including information such as traffic jam information, regulation information, parking lot information, traffic accident information, service area congestion status information, and the FM receiver. In addition to the traffic information, a receiver Information such as news and weather forecasts can be received as FM multiplex information. The beacon receiver and the FM receiver are unitized and arranged as a VICS receiver, but may be arranged separately.
[0038]
Moreover, the communication part 38 can also receive various data, such as D-GPS information which detects the detection error of GPS21 transmitted from the base station. Note that position information can be received based on a radio wave beacon, an optical beacon, or the like, and the current location can be detected. In this case, the beacon receiver functions as a current location detection unit.
[0039]
In the navigation device 14, from the information center 51 as the second information provider, in the present embodiment, in addition to other vehicle information, that is, other vehicle position information, In addition, various information such as navigation information and traffic information can be received. In addition, information on the own vehicle, in this embodiment, information indicating the own vehicle position, that is, own vehicle position information or the like can be transmitted from the navigation device 14 to the information center 51. Therefore, a terminal having a communication function, that is, a communication terminal 39 is connected to the communication unit 38, and the communication unit 38 and the information center 51 are connected via the communication terminal 39 and the network 43, or the communication terminal 39. Or connected via the network 43 without going through. The communication unit 38 and the communication terminal 39 can be integrated.
[0040]
A navigation system is configured by the navigation device 14, the information center 51, the network 43, and the like, and transmission / reception is performed between the communication unit 38 and the communication terminal 39 and the communication unit 58 of the information center 51.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, a mobile phone such as a mobile phone, a car phone, and a PHS is used as the communication terminal 39, and a communication function is provided for a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, an electronic notebook, a video phone, a game machine, and the like. Can be used. The network 43 includes a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, a mobile telephone line network, a telephone line network, a public communication line network, a dedicated communication line network, a communication line network such as the Internet, and the like. Various communication means can be used. Communication means using CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, terrestrial digital television broadcasting, FM multiplex broadcasting, etc. by a broadcasting satellite can also be used. Furthermore, it is possible to use communication means such as a non-stop automatic toll payment system (ETC) and a boundary communication system (DSRC) that are used in an intelligent road traffic system (ITS).
[0042]
The information center 51 may be any one of an individual, a company, a group, a local government, a government-related organization, etc., and may be the VICS center.
[0043]
The information center 51 includes a server 53. The server 53 performs bidirectional communication between the information center 51 and the navigation device 14 and provides various types of information. For this purpose, the server 53 includes a CPU 54, a RAM 55, a ROM 56, the communication unit 58, and the like as an arithmetic device and a control device, and functions as a computer based on predetermined programs, data, and the like. The server 53 and the navigation processing unit 17 of the navigation device 14 may constitute a computer.
[0044]
In addition, a recording device 57 as an information recording unit is connected to the server 53, and information such as information on a group registered in the recording device 57, traffic information, news, weather forecast, statistical data, and the like is recorded.
[0045]
For this purpose, information processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs information processing, receives information such as traffic information, news, and weather forecasts transmitted from the VICS center or the like, and records them as primary information in the recording device 57. The information processing means of the information processing means performs statistical processing on information such as the traffic information, news, weather forecast, etc., and performs statistical processing on the traffic information, news, weather forecasts, etc. Data is generated and the statistical data is recorded in the recording device 57 as secondary information. In this way, the information processing means acquires information such as traffic information, news, weather forecasts, and statistical data.
[0046]
By the way, when two or more vehicles are used to drive a vehicle to a predetermined destination, a group is formed by drivers of each vehicle, and information on each vehicle is shared within the group. The vehicle can be driven to the destination according to the shared information. In this case, the driver of each vehicle becomes a member of the group.
[0047]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of registration data necessary for registering a group in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is necessary for joining the group in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of various registration data.
[0048]
In this case, when a group is to be registered, a representative member (hereinafter referred to as “representative member”) first enters an input unit of the navigation device 14 (FIG. 2) mounted on a vehicle belonging to the representative member. When 34 is operated, first registration data transmission processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs first registration data transmission processing and transmits registration data having a data structure as shown in FIG. 4 to the information center 51. In the above data structure, the group ID is an identification number for identifying a group to be formed, for example, a number such as a mail address, a string of letters, symbols, etc., and the password is a member of the group. It is a code consisting of an arbitrary character string for recognizing that it is a valid member. The nickname is a nickname or the like composed of an arbitrary character string for recognizing the member as a voice. And mark ID is an identification number for specifying the mark for identification, when displaying the own vehicle position represented by the present location of a member's own vehicle on a map screen.
[0049]
When the registration data is transmitted, registration processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs registration processing, registers a group, and assigns a member ID as an identification number for identifying and recognizing a representative member. Then, it is transmitted to the navigation device 14 of the representative member and recorded in the RAM 32 in the navigation device 14. The member ID is assigned in association with the group ID, password, nickname, and mark ID. The group ID, password, nickname, mark ID, and member ID are recorded in the recording device 57, a group is registered, and a representative member is specified.
[0050]
Subsequently, when a member who intends to participate in a group that has already been registered (hereinafter referred to as “participating member”) operates the input unit 34 of the navigation device 14 mounted on the vehicle belonging to the participating member, the CPU 31 A second registration data transmission processing unit (not shown) performs a second registration data transmission process, and transmits registration data having a data structure as shown in FIG. In the data structure, the group ID is the group ID shown in FIG. 4 obtained from the representative member, and the password is the password shown in FIG. 4 obtained from the representative member. The nickname is a name such as a nickname consisting of an arbitrary character string for recognizing that it is a member, and the mark ID is used when displaying the vehicle position of the member on the map screen. This is an identification number for specifying an identification mark.
[0051]
When the registration data is transmitted, the registration processing means identifies a member who participates based on the registration data and assigns a member ID serving as an identification number for recognition, and navigation of the participant The data is transmitted to the device 14 and recorded in the RAM 32 in the navigation device 14. Similarly, the member ID is assigned in association with the group ID, password, nickname and mark ID, and is recorded in the recording device 57. In this way, participating members are identified.
[0052]
Next, the operation of the navigation system when the members drive each vehicle with a predetermined point as a destination in a group will be described.
[0053]
FIG. 6 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a data structure of transmission data transmitted by each navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention to the information center. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data structure of received data received from the information center by each navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0054]
First, when the input unit 34 (FIG. 2) is operated by a member who is an operator and the navigation device 14 is activated, a navigation initialization processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs a navigation initialization process. Subsequently, a position information acquisition processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs a position information acquisition process, reads the group ID to which the member belongs and the member ID of the member from the RAM 32, and displays the current location detected by the GPS 21 as the vehicle position information. Read as.
[0055]
A navigation information acquisition processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs navigation information acquisition processing, refers to a map data file, road data file, search data file, etc. from the data recording unit 16, and maps data, road data, search data, etc. The navigation information is read and acquired.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, the navigation information acquisition processing means reads and acquires the navigation information from the data recording unit 16, but can also acquire it by receiving it via the communication unit 38. . In that case, the navigation information acquisition processing means downloads and acquires the received navigation information to a flash memory, a hard disk or the like.
[0057]
Next, the host vehicle information transmission processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs host vehicle information transmission processing, determines whether or not a predetermined cycle (control cycle) has passed since the previous transmission of transmission data, and has a predetermined cycle. 7, transmission data including the group ID, the member ID of the member, and the own vehicle position information as shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted to the information center 51 as own vehicle information, that is, own vehicle information.
[0058]
Then, a group determination processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs a group determination process, and when receiving transmission data transmitted from each navigation device 14, refers to the recording device 57 and determines a group based on the group ID. . Subsequently, current location information recording processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs current location information recording processing, and records the vehicle position information of each member in the recording device 57 in association with the group ID and member ID.
[0059]
Subsequently, a search processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs a search process to search for all members belonging to the group ID. Then, current location information transmission processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs current location information transmission processing, reads out the vehicle position information of each member from the recording device 57 as the other vehicle position information for each member, member ID, The mark ID and nickname are read out, and the mark ID is converted into image data to be used as mark information. The other vehicle position information, member ID, mark information, and nickname are transmitted to the navigation device 14 as other vehicle information, that is, other vehicle information. Send as.
[0060]
The other vehicle information reception processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs other vehicle information reception processing and receives each other vehicle information as reception data. As shown in FIG. 8, the received data includes other vehicle position information, member ID, mark information, and a nickname.
[0061]
Next, the other vehicle position acquisition processing unit 92 (FIG. 1) of the CPU 31 performs other vehicle position acquisition processing, reads each received data, and acquires the other vehicle position from the other vehicle position information of the received data.
[0062]
Then, the display processing means 90 (FIG. 1) of the CPU 31 performs display processing, forms a map screen on the display, and displays the position of the host vehicle, the position of other vehicles, etc. on the map screen.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, the vehicle direction information transmitted from the navigation device 14 to the information center 51 does not include the vehicle direction, but the vehicle direction information can include the vehicle direction. In that case, since the other vehicle position information transmitted from the information center 51 to the navigation device 14 can include the own vehicle direction, not only the other vehicle position but also the other vehicle direction can be displayed together with the mark. it can.
[0064]
When the navigation device 14 is used as a route search device, when a member inputs a destination by operating the input unit 34, a destination setting processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs a destination setting process. Set the ground. And a departure place can also be set as needed. The route search processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs route search processing. Then, the route search processing means reads the current location, the destination, the search data, etc., and searches for a route from the departure point represented by the current location to the destination based on the search data.
[0065]
Subsequently, a search route guidance processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs a search route guidance process and guides the member to the search route. For this purpose, the search route display processing means of the search route guidance processing means performs search route display processing, forms a search route display screen on the display, and displays the search route on the search route display screen. The voice output processing means 94 of the search route guidance processing means performs voice output processing and outputs the search route from the voice output unit 37 by voice. Therefore, the member can drive the vehicle according to the guided search route.
[0066]
When the member operates the input unit 34 in order to obtain traffic information, the navigation device 14 receives and receives the traffic information transmitted from the VICS center via the communication unit 38. Traffic information is displayed together with the map screen.
[0067]
Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: The group ID, member ID, and own vehicle position information are read.
Step S2 Waits for a predetermined period to elapse from the previous transmission, and proceeds to step S3 when the predetermined period elapses from the previous transmission.
Step S3: The group ID, member ID, and own vehicle position information are transmitted.
Step S4 It waits for the reception of other vehicle information, and proceeds to step S5 when the other vehicle information is received.
Step S5 A display process is performed and the process is terminated.
[0068]
Next, the operation of the display processing means 90 will be described.
[0069]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a subroutine for display processing in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a subroutine for second region display processing in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. The figure which shows the 1st example of the map screen in 1st Embodiment of invention, FIG. 12 is the figure which shows the 2nd example of the map screen in 1st Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 13 is FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a voice guidance setting screen according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of voice guidance according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0070]
First, the display processing means 90 reads map data from the data recording unit 16 (FIG. 2), forms a map screen on the display, and displays a map around the vehicle position according to the map data on the map screen. In addition, the vehicle position and the vehicle direction are displayed. When the member operates the input unit 34 to select a multi-screen, the display processing unit 90 divides the map screen into a multi-screen, and the first and second maps are displayed as shown in FIG. First and second display areas AR1 and AR2 are formed as display areas. Then, a first area display processing means (not shown) of the display processing means 90 performs a first area display process, and maps a map around the vehicle position to the first (predetermined) display area AR1. While displaying at a reduced scale, the vehicle position and vehicle direction are displayed on the map, and similarly, a map around the vehicle position is displayed at a predetermined scale in the second (other) display area AR2. The vehicle position and the vehicle direction are displayed on the map. In this case, the scale is set to an initial value when the map is displayed last time. However, each member operates the input unit 34, for example, to operate the first and second display areas AR1, The scale in AR2 can be set arbitrarily. In FIG. 11, m1 is a vehicle position that represents the vehicle direction by an arrow, and q1 and q2 are scales that represent the scale.
[0071]
By the way, when each vehicle travels with a predetermined point as a destination in a group, each member can operate the input unit 34 to select a group travel mode. When the group travel mode is set, the second area display processing means (not shown) of the display processing means 90 performs the second area display processing, and the vehicle position is displayed in the second display area AR2. In addition to the vehicle direction, a map around the vehicle position is displayed at a predetermined scale, and the other vehicle position is displayed on the map.
[0072]
Next, the operation of the second area display processing means will be described.
[0073]
By the way, in order to form the map screen, a drawing area corresponding to the map screen is set in the RAM 32, and drawing is performed in the drawing area in order to perform a predetermined display on the map screen. Yes.
[0074]
A drawing range calculation processing means (not shown) of the second area display processing means performs a drawing range calculation process. First, in the image memory of the RAM 32, the second display area AR2 is scaled by a member. A drawing area is calculated, and a predetermined position in the drawing area, in the present embodiment, the center of the drawing area is set as a reference position, and the vehicle position is placed at the reference position.
[0075]
Subsequently, the other vehicle position determination processing means of the CPU 31 performs other vehicle position determination processing, and for other vehicles belonging to the group, when the other vehicle position is displayed centering on the own vehicle position, each other vehicle position is It is determined whether it is within the drawing range. Therefore, the coordinates on the drawing area of each other vehicle position (hereinafter referred to as “other vehicle position coordinates”) when the vehicle position is placed in the center of the drawing area, and the coordinates of each corner portion of the drawing area (hereinafter referred to as “other vehicle position coordinates”). "Corner part coordinates") is read, and it is determined whether or not each other vehicle position falls within the drawing range based on each other vehicle position coordinate and each said corner part coordinate.
[0076]
For example, the other vehicles belonging to the group are Ha to He, and the other vehicle position coordinates are (xa, ya), (xb, yb), (xc, yc), (xd, yd), (xe, ye), If each corner portion coordinate is (X1, Y1), (X2, Y1), (X1, Y2), (X2, Y2), whether the other vehicle Ha is within the drawing range is determined by the values xa, ya
X1 <xa <X2
Y1 <ya <Y2
It can be judged by whether or not. Whether the other vehicle Hb is within the drawing range is determined by the values xb and yb,
X1 <xb <X2
Y1 <yb <Y2
It can be judged by whether or not. Furthermore, whether or not the other vehicle Hc is within the drawing range is determined by the values xc and yc,
X1 <xc <X2
Y1 <yc <Y2
It can be judged by whether or not. Whether or not the other vehicle Hd falls within the drawing range is determined by the values xd and yd,
X1 <xd <X2
Y1 <yd <Y2
It can be judged by whether or not. Whether the other vehicle He is within the drawing range is determined by the values xe and ye,
X1 <xe <X2
Y1 <ye <Y2
It can be judged by whether or not.
[0077]
Then, when the other vehicle position falls within the drawing range for the predetermined other vehicles Ha to Hc and the other vehicle position deviates from the drawing range for the predetermined other vehicles Hd and He, as shown in FIG. The area display processing means displays a map around the own vehicle position m1 in the second display area AR2, displays the own vehicle position m1 indicating the own vehicle direction by an arrow on the map, and other vehicles Ha to Hc. The other vehicle position is displayed with marks ha to hc, and the audio output processing means 94 of the CPU 31 performs audio output processing, and the audio output unit 37 guides the other vehicle positions of the other vehicles Hd and He by voice.
[0078]
By the way, when the member operates the input unit 34, it is possible to set the necessity of voice guidance for each other vehicle position and the order of voice guidance. For this purpose, a voice guidance setting screen as shown in FIG. 13 is formed on the display. In the voice guidance setting screen, the nicknames MA to ME of each member, the necessity of voice guidance for each member (“Yes” and “No”), the order of voice guidance, etc. The member can display the necessity of voice guidance and change the order of voice guidance by operating the input unit 34. The setting contents of the voice guidance on the voice guidance setting screen are recorded in the RAM 32.
[0079]
In FIG. 12, q1 and q3 are scales representing scales.
[0080]
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when voice guidance is set, if the other vehicles being run by members having the nicknames MA to ME are Ha to He, FIG. As shown, the other vehicle positions of the other vehicles Ha to Hc are within the drawing range, and the other vehicle positions are displayed with marks ha to hc in the second display area AR2, whereas the other vehicles Hd and He are displayed. The position of the other vehicle does not fall within the drawing range, and the position of the other vehicle is not displayed in the second display area AR2.
[0081]
Then, as shown in FIG. 13, when the other vehicle Hd is set to perform voice guidance and the other vehicle He does not perform voice guidance, the other vehicle position of the other vehicle Hd is determined. Only voice guidance is performed.
[0082]
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the voice guidance in this case is “MD is traveling near the intersection of XX”, “MD is traveling on the road XX”, “MD is Δ △ (The name of the facility is running.) "And" MD is running near the MA. " In this case, the audio output processing means 94 reads the coordinates of the other vehicle position, reads the coordinates of the intersection, road, facility, etc., and compares the coordinates to compare the intersection, road, facility, etc. near the other vehicle position. A guided object such as another vehicle traveling in the vicinity of the vehicle position is specified, and the name of the guided object corresponding to the coordinates is guided by voice.
[0083]
Note that voice data for voice guidance is recorded in the ROM 33, and the voice output processing means 94 reads voice data from the ROM 33 by referring to the voice guidance setting contents recorded in the RAM 32. Synthesize speech.
In this way, since the predetermined other vehicle position can be displayed in the second display area AR2, the member can drive the vehicle while recognizing the own vehicle position and the other vehicle position displayed on the map screen. Can do. Further, for other vehicle positions outside the drawing range of the second display area AR2, the other vehicle positions are guided by voice, so the members were guided by the own vehicle position and voice displayed on the map screen. The vehicle can be driven while recognizing the position of the other vehicle.
[0084]
Since the map around the vehicle position can be displayed in a sufficiently large scale in the first display area AR1, the information that can be displayed in the first display area AR1 is increased accordingly. Therefore, the member can easily recognize the road conditions around the vehicle position.
[0085]
Next, the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described.
Step S5-1: A map around the vehicle position, the vehicle position and the vehicle direction are displayed on the map screen.
Step S5-2: It is determined whether or not a multi-screen has been selected. If the multi-screen is selected, the process proceeds to step S5-3. If not selected, the process returns.
Step S5-3: A first area display process is performed.
Step S5-4: It is determined whether the group travel mode is set. If the group travel mode is set, the process proceeds to step S5-5, and if not set, the process returns.
Step S5-5 Performs the second area display process and returns.
[0086]
Next, the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described.
Step S5-5-1: A drawing range calculation process is performed.
Step S5-5-2: It is determined whether or not the other vehicle position is within the drawing range. If the position of the other vehicle falls within the drawing range, the process proceeds to step S5-5-5. If not, the process proceeds to step S5-5-3.
Step S5-5-3: The vehicle position m1 is displayed on the map.
Step S5-5-4: The other vehicle position is guided by voice and the process returns.
Step S5-5-5: The own vehicle position m1 and the other vehicle position are displayed on the map, and the process returns.
[0087]
By the way, in the first embodiment, when the other vehicle position is out of the drawing range, all other vehicle positions that have been set to perform voice guidance in advance are guided by voice. ing. However, if the size of the group is large and the number of members is large, if you try to give a voice guidance to all other vehicle positions that are set to give voice guidance in advance, the guidance will end. Time will be extremely long. Therefore, a second embodiment of the present invention in which voice guidance is not performed for a predetermined number of other vehicle positions will be described.
[0088]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a subroutine of second area display processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0089]
In this case, the drawing range calculation processing means of the second area display processing means performs the drawing range calculation processing. First, on the image memory of the RAM 32, the second display area AR2 (with the scale set by the member) The drawing area of FIG. 12) is calculated, and a predetermined position of the drawing area, in the present embodiment, the center of the drawing area is set as a reference position, and the vehicle position is placed at the reference position.
[0090]
Subsequently, when the second area display processing means displays other vehicle positions centered on the own vehicle position for other vehicles belonging to the group, a map around the own vehicle position is displayed in the second display area AR2. Is displayed, and the position of the own vehicle is displayed on the map, and the position of the other vehicle that falls within the drawing range among the positions of the other vehicles is displayed. Further, the second area display processing means acquires the number N of other vehicle positions out of the drawing range, and when the number N is equal to or greater than the threshold value Nth, the sound output processing means 94 of the CPU 31 performs sound output processing. When the number N is smaller than the threshold value Nth, the voice output processing unit 94 uses the voice output unit 37 to check the position of the other vehicle outside the drawing range. Guide by voice.
[0091]
Thus, since guidance is performed by voice only when the number N of other vehicle positions out of the drawing range is small, the time required for voice guidance can be shortened.
Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S5-5-11: A drawing range calculation process is performed.
Step S5-5-12: Displays the position of the other vehicle in the drawing range.
Step S5-5-13: The number N of other vehicle positions out of the drawing range is acquired.
Step S5-5-14—Determines whether the number N is greater than or equal to a threshold value Nth. If the number N is greater than or equal to the threshold Nth, the process proceeds to step S5-5-15. If the number N is smaller than the threshold Nth, the process proceeds to step S5-5-16.
Step S5-5-15: Return without guidance by voice.
Step S5-5-16 Guidance is made by voice and the process returns.
[0092]
Next, when the position of the other vehicle deviates from the drawing range, the third embodiment of the present invention can display not only the position of the other vehicle by voice but also the direction of the other vehicle position on the map screen. Will be described.
[0093]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0094]
In this case, when the other vehicle position falls within the drawing range for the predetermined other vehicles Ha to Hc and the other vehicle position deviates from the drawing range for the predetermined other vehicles Hd and He, as shown in FIG. The area display processing means displays a map around the own vehicle position m1 in the second display area AR3, displays the own vehicle position m1 indicating the own vehicle direction by an arrow on the map, and also displays the other vehicles Ha to Hc. An arrow indicating the direction of the other vehicle position of the other vehicle Hd, He viewed from the own vehicle position m1, and the other vehicle are displayed on the periphery of the second display area AR3, and the other vehicle position is indicated by marks ha to hc. The marks hd and he representing the other vehicle positions of Hd and He are displayed, and the audio output processing means 94 of the CPU 31 performs audio output processing. invite. In the figure, AR1 is the first display area, and q1 and q3 are scales representing the scale.
[0095]
Thus, not only the position of the other vehicle outside the drawing range can be recognized by voice guidance, but also the direction of the other vehicle position viewed from the own vehicle position is recognized by the arrow displayed in the second display area AR3. can do.
[0096]
In each of the above embodiments, when displaying a map on the map screen, the heading-up display method is adopted so that the direction of the vehicle is directed upward on the map screen. The north-up display method can also be adopted so as to face upward on the screen.
[0097]
In each of the above embodiments, the display processing means 90 of the CPU 31 (FIG. 2) performs display processing. However, the center side display processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 (FIG. 3) performs center processing. A side display process can be performed to form a map screen.
[0098]
In that case, the first area display processing means of the center side display processing means performs the first area display processing, and based on the own vehicle information transmitted from the navigation device 14 of a predetermined member, Is generated in the first display area AR1, and the other vehicle position acquisition processing means of the center side display processing means transmits the own vehicle information transmitted from the navigation device 14 of each other member. And the second area display processing means of the center side display processing means performs a second area display process, based on the own vehicle information transmitted from the navigation device 14. The second image data for displaying the own vehicle position and the other vehicle position within the drawing range in the second display area AR1 is created. The voice data creation processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs voice data creation processing, and creates voice data to guide the other vehicle position outside the drawing range by voice.
[0099]
Subsequently, data transmission processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs data transmission processing and transmits the first and second image data and audio data to the navigation device 14. Then, the data reception processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs data reception processing, and when the first and second image data and audio data are received, the display processing means enters the first display area AR1 of the map screen. In addition to displaying a map around the vehicle position at a predetermined scale, the vehicle position and the vehicle direction are displayed on the map, and a map around the vehicle position is displayed in the second display area AR2. The vehicle position and the other vehicle position that falls within the drawing range are displayed. The voice output processing means 94 performs voice output processing and guides other vehicle positions outside the drawing range by voice according to the voice data.
[0100]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the multi-screen is selected and the first and second display areas are formed is described. However, the present invention can be applied to the case where the map screen is formed by one screen. Can be applied. In this case, the drawing range corresponding to the map screen is calculated, the other vehicle position that falls within the drawing range is displayed on the map screen, and the other vehicle position outside the drawing range is guided by voice.
[0101]
In each of the above embodiments, the order of voice guidance is displayed on the voice guidance setting screen, and the member changes the order of voice guidance by operating the input unit 34. However, it is also possible to guide in the order from the longest to the shortest distance from the own vehicle position to the other vehicle position. In that case, the voice output processing means 94 reads the coordinates of the own vehicle position and the coordinates of the other vehicle position, calculates a linear distance between the own vehicle position and the other vehicle position, and compares each linear distance. Decide the order of guidance.
[0102]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.
[0103]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the position of the other vehicle that falls within the drawing range can be displayed on the display unit, and the position of the other vehicle outside the drawing range can be guided by voice. Can drive the vehicle while recognizing the position of the host vehicle and the position of the other vehicle.
[0104]
Moreover, since the vehicle position can be displayed on the display unit, the member can easily recognize the road conditions around the vehicle position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of registration data necessary for registering a group in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data structure of registration data necessary for joining a group in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the navigation system in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data configuration of transmission data transmitted by each navigation device to the information center according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data configuration of received data received from the information center by each navigation device in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a subroutine of display processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second area display processing subroutine in the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a map screen in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of the map screen in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a voice guidance setting screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of voice guidance according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a second area display processing subroutine in the second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
14 Navigation device
17 Navigation processor
21 GPS
31 CPU
35 Display section
37 Audio output unit
43 Network
51 Information Center
53 servers
90 Display processing means
92 Other vehicle position acquisition processing means
94 Sound output processing means

Claims (7)

Current position detection unit for detecting the current position, display unit, audio output unit, other vehicle position acquisition processing means for acquiring the position of other vehicle represented by the current position of the other vehicle, and own vehicle represented by the current position of the own vehicle Display processing means for displaying the position, a map around the vehicle position, and other vehicle positions within the drawing range by the display unit, and voice for guiding the other vehicle position out of the drawing range by voice by the voice output unit An output processing means. The display processing means displays a first area display processing means for displaying the host vehicle position in the first map display area, and a host vehicle position and the other vehicle position within the drawing range in the second map display area. The navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising second area display processing means. The navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising: another vehicle position determination processing unit that determines whether or not the other vehicle position is within a drawing range. The vehicle information transmission processing means for transmitting the information of the own vehicle to the information center and the other vehicle information reception processing means for receiving the information of the other vehicle from the information center. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the position of the other vehicle is acquired from the information of the other vehicle. The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the voice output processing means guides according to the necessity of voice guidance set in advance. The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the voice output processing means performs voice guidance when the number of other vehicle positions outside the drawing range is smaller than a threshold value. The other vehicle position acquisition processing means for acquiring the other vehicle position represented by the current location of the other vehicle, the own vehicle position represented by the current location of the own vehicle, a map around the own vehicle position, and the drawing range. Display processing means for displaying the position of another vehicle on the display unit, and a program for a map display method for causing the other vehicle position outside the drawing range to function as voice output processing means for guiding by voice using the voice output unit .

Images