FR2753797A1 - VEHICLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND ITS CONTROL AND CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

The navigation system comprises: - a satellite data receiver for receiving data from GPS satellites; a remote control, located adjacent to the driver of a vehicle, a gyroscopic sensor for detecting a direction of travel of the vehicle and a distance traveled; a compact disc player. It includes a CD-ROM converter or decoder (9) using an ADPCM method for data decoding; a sub-microprocessor (12) reading commands from the CD-ROM converter (9), a plurality of memories (10, 11) for storing audio data and geographic information data; an output unit (20) and a main microprocessor (1) which converts input data, performs its selective storage and provides navigation data.

Description

NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR

CONTROL AND CONTROL

  The present invention relates to a vehicle navigation system and its control method. More particularly, the invention relates to a navigation system and its command and control method, the system receiving satellite information with restitution of coded geographic information.

  digitally using an audio system and a video system.

  In general, a traditional navigation system comprises a microprocessor, different memories, an input device, a display device, sensors, etc. with a display of the vehicle travel path, an instantaneous position, a direction of travel, a destination, an

  direction towards the destination, a route, on a viewing screen.

  Such a navigation system displays a map, indicating a path for the destination in the form of an arrow on the map. However, the traditional navigation system requires some attention from the user, which

  is not desirable when driving the vehicle, from the point of view of safety.

  In addition, the conventional navigation system is not able to provide the driver with information on the progress of the vehicle in response to a request.

  detection of driving speed, when the vehicle is moving at high speed.

  In the traditiomlel system, it is the driver himself who must for example recognize a building on the road in order to determine where it is located, which

complicates the driver's task.

  As a result, a navigation system must provide the driver with useful information that is sufficient to ensure safety, allow the driver to independently choose a route and to evaluate the route in advance.

  thus making his journey safer.

  In addition, the navigation system must be able to display the name of the place corresponding to the point where the driver is on his journey while driving the vehicle and must be able to automatically recognize the journey from the place of departure to the destination, which would allow the driver to focus on the

driving the vehicle.

  The object of the invention is therefore to provide a navigation system and its control and control method which substantially eliminate one or more of the problems associated with the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system and its control method having extension possibilities with respect to -llR \ I (II'-IS77 I) O ('23 spIlemhle I') 97 - 1 / 43 geographical information concerning a destination, a direction and a distance according to the state of progress of the vehicle and which is likely to

  process data entered freely by the driver.

  A second object of the invention is to propose a navigation system and its control method which is capable of presenting information concerning the state of progress of the vehicle in audio form or in video form as a function of the progress of the vehicle to inform

  selectively the driver on the progress of the vehicle.

  A third object of the invention is to propose a navigation system and its control method which perform an association between navigation data obtained in correspondence with the progress of the vehicle and satellite data of a global positioning system ( subsequently called GPS) and with predetermined cartographic data, allowing to obtain all the information of

  driving for the place where the vehicle is and this until its destination.

  A fourth object of the invention is to provide a navigation system and its control method that allows to control the system by remote control in order to easily vary a destination and its direction during the

  vehicle, providing real-time geographic information.

  A fifth object of the present invention is to propose a navigation system and its control method which are capable of presenting extended geographic intelligence data using a compact disc or

  CD-ROM, and which is also capable of playing an audio CD and a video CD.

  For this purpose, according to the invention, the navigation system comprises: a satellite data receiver for receiving satellite data

GPS;

  - a remote control, located adjacent to the driver of a vehicle, providing input signals from outside; a gyro sensor for detecting a direction of vehicle travel and a distance traveled; - a compact disc player for playing digital video and audio signals from a CD-ROM containing musical data and geographic information data; a CD-ROM converter or decoder using an ADPCI \ M method (Pulsed Modulation and Adaptive Differential Coding) for decoding the audio data simultaneously with the decoding of the data of the CD-ROM: a sub-microprocessor reading the commands of the CD-ROM; CD-ROM converter for controlling the operation of the CD-player and controlling the power supply provided by a power supply unit. storage of audio data and geographic information data provided by the CD-ROM converter; an output unit supplying the audio data as well as the geographic information data to external audio and display organs, thus realizing the reproduction of the audio data and the display of the video images and a main microprocessor which converts input data, selectively stores the input data in memory, and applies data obtained by reading the compact disc to navigation means located within a

  vehicle, by controlling the sub-microprocessor and the system circuit.

  According to one embodiment, the main microprocessor comprises - an input part for the modification of the input data; a display controller for controlling a screen search and scrolling of the display; - a card drawing part for making a card; means for calculating destination directions and distances; - a management part for the management of the destination and places of passage

on the road.

  According to another embodiment, the CD-ROM converter comprises: a decoder for processing the video data of the CD-ROM; and

  a part for the processing of audio data by the ADPCM method.

  In yet another embodiment, the output unit comprises: an audio MPEG decoder and an MPEG video decoder that decode audio data and video data separately inputted, corresponding to a control of the main microprocessor; a digital-to-analog video converter and a digital-to-analog audio converter which convert the digital video signal and the digital audio signal of the MPEG video decoder and the audio MPEG decoder into analog signals; and a graphics controller for transmitting signals from the converter

digital / analog video.

  The method of controlling and controlling a vehicle navigation system comprises the steps of: - initializing a system to allow data loading; - to receive data from GPS satellites and to convert GPS satellite data; - to search on a map, and to scroll a screen; - to build a map; RI 0I1l11 I.t77 1) ('- 23 s-t2 box 1997 - 3/43 - to calculate a direction of destination and one or more distance (s) - to receive a signal transmitted by a remote control, and to treat a menu - to manage in real time a destination and one or more place (s) of passage on the path - to order an audio CD-ROM - to order a video CD-ROM and - to receive data from a gyroscopic sensor, and to process the data of the

gyroscopic sensor.

  According to one embodiment, the initialization step comprises the steps of: - initializing the data of a system; assigning a signal manager for the system data; - to read a table of contents on a CD-ROM; - determine the type of CD-ROM according to the data in the table of contents and check the CD-ROM to see if it is an audio CD; - to read navigation control data, if the CD-ROM is a CD containing map information; and - to read video data, if the CD-ROM is a CD containing

geographic video information.

  According to another embodiment, the verification step to see if it is an audio music CD comprises the steps of: - initializing indicators or flags and variables; to process key values received at the input of a remote control; - to display the operating status of a CD on a screen; - to check the CD;

  to perform an operation of reading an audio CD.

  In yet another embodiment, the step of playing an audio CD comprises the steps of: - issuing an audio playback command to the CD-ROM converter using the main microprocessor; reading and interpreting the command of the CD-ROM converter by means of the sub-microprocessor; - to determine whether or not the audio CD is played back; to perform the reading of the CD, under the control of the main microprocessor, in the case of an audio CD; - to send data from the CD player to the CD-ROM converter; - to put the CD-ROM converter in a bypass mode, so that the CD-ROM converter does not perform a decoding operation; R: \ 14800S \ I 4877DO ('C - 23 septetmle 19') 7 - 4/43 not to decode, by means of the CD-ROM converter, the transmitted data and to divert the data transmitted to the D / A converter audio, using the CD-ROM converter; and - eliminating the noise of the data signal by using an analog filter and generating noise-free data. According to yet another embodiment, the step of reading navigation control data from the CD containing geographic information comprises the steps of: - initializing an SRAM type memory; storing data in the SRAM memory; - To receive key values of the remote control as input, and to process them; - to display a menu of options; and - to read the CD-ROM data after receiving a remote control key value. In yet another embodiment, the step of storing the data in the SRAM comprises the steps of: - determining the size of the data and the position of the data; and

  storing the data in a designated position of the SRAM.

  According to yet another embodiment, the step of inputting and processing the key values of the remote control comprises the steps of: - receiving input data corresponding to the key; converting the input data corresponding to the key into a transmission format; and - to serialize, a converted value to a data receiver

corresponding.

  According to yet another embodiment, the step of reading the CD-ROM comprises the steps of: - transmitting a read command to a buffer of the CD-ROM converter by means of the main microprocessor; read and interpret the command provided by the buffer of the CD-ROM converter by the submicroprocessor; - to determine if there is (the state) a read command or not; to switch the CD-ROM converter into a decoding mode according to the status of the read command; To put the CD player in a data read mode; to decode the data transmitted by the CD-ROM converter and to store the data transmitted by the CD-ROM converter in an SRAM memory; and 1-111.I 1i771 1 - 2 ic [111 ['bll 1997 - 5143 - to transmit the data stored in tule SRAM memory to the

  main microprocessor, under the control or control of the sub-

  microprocessor. According to yet another embodiment, the step of reading the video CD data comprises the steps of: - initializing an indicator and a variable; - to receive as input and to process the value of a key of the remote control; - to display a launch screen chosen for the options menu for the CD: - to check the type of CD-ROM; and

  - to read the video data if it is indeed a video CD-ROM.

  In yet another embodiment, the step of reading the video data comprises the steps of: - transmitting a video playback command to the CD-ROM converter using the main microprocessor; reading and interpreting the command sent by the CD-ROM converter by means of the sub-microprocessor; - to determine if the video CD is playing or not; to control a read operation on the CD player by means of the sub-microprocessor; - to transmit data from the CD player; to decode the data transmitted by means of the CD-ROM converter. and storing the data in an SRAM memory; transmitting the data stored in the SRAM memory to a video MPEG decoder, under the control of the sub-microprocessor; determining whether the data is audio data or video data; in the case of audio data, transmitting the audio data to the audio MPEG decoder under the control of the MPEG video decoder; - decoding the audio data using the MPEG audio decoder and converting the audio data into a digital signal; - converting the digital audio signal to an analog signal by means of the digital to analog audio converter; and - to eliminate the noise of the data signal by means of an analog filter, and to

  generate noise-free data.

  In yet another embodiment, the step of determining whether the data are audio data or video data comprises the steps of decoding, in the case where the data is video data. the video MPEG video means the MPEG video decoder and convert the data into a R: \ 148001 \ 14877 D [('- 23 S [elltlble 1'99'7 - (/ 43 red-green-blue format (RGB) digital and to convert the digital RGB signal into

  an analog RGB signal by means of the digital-to-analog video converter.

  In yet another embodiment, the step of receiving and processing GPS satellite data comprises the steps of: creating a link with a shared memory; - to initialize a flag; - to assign a signal manager; - to initialize the GPS system; reading data from the SRAM and transmitting a read confirmation signal to a GPS satellite data processor; - to empty the domlées stored in a serial buffer; - to determine if the GPS signal has errors or not; - to receive the GPS data if the GPS signal has no error;

  - to determine a termination of the revenue transaction, and to verify an

  head of received data - to determine the presence of a confirmation of receipt code (GPGGA) in the header; storing values of longitude, latitude and altitude in the shared memory in the case where the confirmation of reception code (GPGGA) is present in the header; - to determine the presence of a confirmation of receipt code (GPVTG) in the header; and - to store a speed and a direction of advancement in the shared memory

  in case the confirmation of receipt code (GPVTG) is in the en-

head.

  In yet another embodiment, the step of receiving GPS data comprises the steps of: receiving and processing GPS data and converting GPS data to longitude, latitude, and other information provided by satellites; and to transmit, in series, a converted value to a corresponding recipient receiver. In yet another embodiment, the step of searching the map and scrolling the screen includes the steps of: - performing a link with the shared memory; - to initialize a program; - to set and initialise the necessary data; - to assign a signal manager; 1) to determine the presence or absence of an external interrupt signal - to determine if a return code is present at the input absence of an external interrupt signal - to scan an external interrupt signal to evaluate the return code and to search for a corresponding display menu, and - to search for an item of a card unit if It is also necessary to search for a map element according to a direction of travel of the vehicle According to yet another embodiment, the step of scanning the external interrupt signal comprises the steps of: determining whether a signal handler is assigned; - inputting a scroll position signal, if the signal handler is enabled, and changing the scroll position level on the screen in the presence of a signal handler; signal determining the scrolling position; change the scroll position according to the GPS data, when the GPS data is received; - to vary, dynamically, the scroll position level compared to a global value in the case of information display output; and - in the case where new information is received as input, and o a map display signal is received as input, to fix the destination and the places

passing on the way.

  According to yet another embodiment, the step of drawing the card comprises the steps of: - making a connection with the shared memory; - to allocate memory and initialize the contents of the memory; - to assign a signal manager; - to check a validation status for a data receiver; - to determine the presence or absence of an interruption signal; determining whether a signal manager signal is absent in the absence of input reception of an interrupt signal; determining whether a signal of the signal manager is a signal controlling the scrolling position; canceling the signal of the signal manager in the case where this signal is a scroll position control signal; and

  - to draw a map according to a value of a table system.

  According to yet another embodiment, the step of calculating the direction of destination and the distance comprises the steps of: R: \ 14800 \ 14877 DOC - 23 scptelibre I197 - 8/43 - initialize destination direction calculation and the distance calculation mode by means of an initialization step; receiving the data from GPS satellites to calculate and store the direction of destination and the distance corresponding to the movement of the vehicle; - looking for the presence of errors in the GPS data - in case of confirmation of an error, to choose the north as direction of travel and to align accurately the direction of the map, and to cancel the predetermined destination; - to obtain direction data, speed, longitude and latitude of the shared memory in the case where the GPS data are not erroneous; to calculate a direction of advancement; - to determine if the direction of advancement is towards the north; calculating the direction of advancement from the direction determined on the basis of the map and updating it; - to check whether the destination is determined or not; - to check whether the longitude and latitude of the destination are good or not, when the destination is fixed; - in the case where the longitude and latitude of the destination are good, to calculate the direction of destination and a straight-line distance to the destination; and writing data in the SRAM memory to store the direction of

  destination and distance in a straight line.

  According to yet another embodiment, the step of writing the data in the SRAM comprises the steps of: - determining a data size and a data position; and

  storing the data in a designated position.

  According to yet another embodiment, the step of receiving the input from the remote control and menu processing comprises the steps of - converting and processing input data originating from a remote control after the initialization step. storing the data in an SRAM memory and reading the donations stored from the SRAM; - to check if a signal manager is activated or not; - if a signal handler is enabled, checking for the presence of a CD read command and displaying a wait symbol or card symbol; - to check the instantaneous state of the entry; - to display the position of the vehicle, the GPS error as well as a scrolling cursor; l) (I) I77 I> 1) (C - 23 Selleimbre 1997 - 9143 - to display a destination direction, a reduced scale, a destination distance, a longitude, a latitude and an altitude; status of a level conversion flag is equal to "1" when processing the reduced scale conversion; - processing an input signal corresponding to a key of the remote control if the level conversion flag flag is not set to "1"; - to carry out an automatic conversion to a reduced scale if the state of the flagL level conversion indicator is "1"; and

  - to determine the entry corresponding to a key.

  According to yet another embodiment, the step of determining the input corresponding to a key comprises the steps of: - finding by scanning a key assignment number; - scrolling the screen in response to the key assignment number - displaying a symbol; - to search for the name of a place; - to fix the destination; - to cancel; - to enlarge the reduced scale; - to reduce the reduced scale; - to display the menu; and

  - to provide guidance information.

  According to yet another embodiment, the destination management step and a pathway comprises the steps of: displaying a menu of choice of path during an initialization step; - to enter the destination, the place of departure, and the place of passage when the input signal is received as input; - to change the place of passage when a modification signal is received at the input; - to reverse the destination and the place of departure when an inversion signal is received at the input; - to erase the path when an erase signal is received as input; - to perform a simulation of the journey from the place of departure to the destination if a path simulation signal is received at the input; and - to perform a path guidance method if a signal for realizing

guidance is received as input.

  In yet another embodiment, the step of receiving and processing the azimuth data comprises the steps of: - reading the data of the data. azimuth from the SRAM after an initialization step; - to choose an azimuth mode; - to empty the contents of a serial buffer; - to determine if errors are present in the azimuth doinés; to receive the azimuth dines if the azimuth data are good; - to check a header if the receipt of the data is complete; - to check if the input includes a control signal recording domnnées; and - to store a rotation angle in the shared memory if the header comprises

  the control signal for recording the data.

  Other goals, features and benefits will be apparent from reading the

  description of an embodiment of the present invention, made as a non

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a navigation system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of turning on the system after its power supply; Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a read operation of the data of a CD-ROM; Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the reading of data from an audio compact disc (hereinafter simply referred to as "CD"); Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the playback of data from a video CD; Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the reading of the table of contents (TOC) of a CD; Fig. 7A is a flowchart illustrating the writing of data in a designated position of a static type random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "memory").

SRAM ");

  Fig. 7B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of reading data from the SRAM; Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the steps for outputting audio data via the CD-ROM converter; Fig. 9A is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the value of a key received at the input of a remote control; FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the information received at the satellite input of the global positioning system (hereafter called GPS); FIG. 9C is a flowchart illustrating the processing of input data received in a gyro sensor; FIG. 9C is a flowchart illustrating the processing of input data received in a gyro sensor; Fig. 10A is a flowchart illustrating the initialization of the navigation system according to the present invention; Fig. 10B is a flowchart illustrating the interpretation of the data of a table of contents recorded on a CD, for the initialization of the navigation system; Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the verification sequences of an audio CD, for initialization of the navigation system; Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the read sequences of the CD-ROM data for initialization of the navigation system; Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the verification of a video CD having geographic information for initializing the navigation system; Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling all operations of the navigation system; Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling initialization operations for processing GPS satellite information; Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling functions in the processing of GPS satellite information. Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an initialization operation for displaying geographic information on a display device; Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the launching of different routines or routines based on input signals (a method for controlling an operation and determining whether information to be displayed is an input value); Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the display control as a function of input received values; Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the initialization followed by tracing a map on the screen; Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the initialization and calculation of a distance for a direction and a destination; Fig. 22A is a flowchart illustrating the processing of GPS data for calculating a distance for a direction and a destination; Figs. 22B and 22C are flow diagrams illustrating the processing of the GPS data received as well as data obtained in response to the rolling of the vehicle; FIG. 23A is a flowchart illustrating an initialization operation prior to receiving input data from a remote control; FIG. 23A is a flowchart illustrating an initialization operation prior to receiving input data from a remote control; Figs. 23B and 23C are flow diagrams illustrating the processing of vehicle ride information based on remote control input data; FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of management of destination and places of passage on the road, following the initialization and the entry of the destination and one or more place (s) of passage; Fig. 25A is a flowchart illustrating the initialization for receiving data from a gyro sensor; and Fig. 25B is a flowchart illustrating the treatment of donations

  input received from the gyro sensor.

  We will now describe a preferred embodiment of the invention in

  detail and with reference to the attached drawing.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the navigation system according to the present invention comprises a GPS satellite data receiver 7. The satellite data receiver 7 comprises a main microprocessor 1 which controls all the operations of a system. The main microprocessor 1 comprises a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 2, a static random access memory (SRAM) 3, and a read only memory (ROM) 5 which are used in shared memory, with use

a bus domnnée address.

  In addition, in order to receive the GPS stallite data, the GPS satellite data receiver 7 equipped with an antenna 8 is connected to an input / output terminal (hereinafter referred to as I / O) S 1OB. A gyro system sensor 26, for the

  Azimuth detection is connected to another I / O terminal S 1 OA.

  An address data bus is connected to the two-way input / output port 6 which includes a semiconductor for receiving the output signal of a cable type remote control 28. Here, the remote control 28 is mounted at the nearest position, to allow the control of the operation of the system according to the wishes of the driver of the vehicle, so that the driver can easily handle the system while the vehicle is running. We can replace the remote control type

  wired 28 by a wireless remote.

  In addition, the main microprocessor 1 comprises a plurality of interrupt terminals A, B and C, an input terminal PORT, and terminals CS, CS0, CS1, CS2 and CS3 for use in control output. Interrupt terminal A is used for a Motion Picture Expert Group (MPEG) signal and a VSYNC vertical sync signal. Input terminal B is a serial I / O terminal. The interrupt terminal C is used to receive an output signal of a compact disc player. used to receive signals from the accelerator and the brake The terminals CS0, CS1, CS2 and CS3 output control signals of the ROMs 5, DRAM 2, SRAM 3 and for the loading of another system. reset access 25 enables initialization of the main microprocessor 1. A lithium power supply 4 constitutes a power source for the SRAM 3 with protection of an internal program of the system The main microprocessor 1 comprises a sub-microprocessor 12 which reads geographic information in order to apply GPS satellite data to a navigation map, with control of a compact disc player 13 constituting a reader of a CD-ROM disc for reading a map digital ouL

  an electronic card, for processing by digital signals. The sub

  microprocessor 12 is connected to the CD-ROM converter 9, in order to control a compact disc player. The CD-ROM converter 9 is connected to the main microprocessor 1 via the address data bus. The CD-ROM converter 9 includes a CD-ROM decoder and an AdPCM unit (Pulse adaptive modulation and differential coding) and the static read-only memory (SRAM) 10. As a result, the main microprocessor I reads geographical information in the form of a CD-ROM. on the CD-ROM or CD, corresponding to the operation of the compact disc player 13. The geographic information data is interpreted by the main microprocessor 1,

  the analyzed data being applied to a graphics controller 22.

  The audio data is subjected to an adaptive decoding process of the differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) subsequently referred to as the MIC of the CD-ROM converter for application to a digital-to-analog converter 11 for the audio signal. The analog signal of the digital-to-analog converter 11 for the audio signal is applied to an analog filter 19 for noise cancellation. Then, the analog signal is applied to a connector

multiple 20.

  A digital video signal forming part of the geographical information data is applied to a graphics controller 22 provided with a DRAM memory 23. The graphics controller 22 applies a video signal for a map screen, in the form of geographic information data, to a video switching port 18. A digital video signal reproduced by an MPEG video decoder passes through a digital to analog converter 17 to be converted to an analog video signal. This analog video signal is applied to a port of R \ I4800 \ I4877.D. (O - 23 selects 19) 7 - 14-f143 video switching 18. The video switching port 18 selects one of two

  input signals, to apply the selected signal to the multiple connmector 20.

  The multi-switch 20 is connected to the audio system (not shown) and display means (not shown) such as LCD (liquid crystal) display. The result is the display of geographical information in the form of a picture, and if necessary, the output to the audio system of an instantaneous position and a

  direction of advancement and the like.

  Meanwhile, the sub-microprocessor 12 performs the control of a power controller 21 with a power switch 27 enabling the power supply unit 24 to selectively power each circuit of the system. The power control 21 is composed of a semiconductor switching and relay. The navigation system mentioned above will now be described

  specifically with reference to the flow chart of Figure 2.

  Power supply Referring to Figure 2, a navigation system is mounted on a vehicle

  and the power supply is taken on the vehicle (step 100). Only the sub

  microprocessor 12 is in the active power condition (step 101). If the on / off switch 27 is in the "on" state (step 102), the power controller 21 provides power to the system circuits (step 103). Simultaneously, the reset portion 25 is activated with

  initializing the main microprocessor 1 (step 104).

  The power controller 21 determines whether or not the power switch 27 is permanently in the "on" state within three seconds of system activation. If the on / off switch is in the state

  "on", the power supply of the system from the power supply unit 24 is to be cut.

  Operation of reading geographical information data on CD-ROM Referring to FIG. 3, the main microprocessor 1 carries out the control of the subprocessor 12 so that the latter performs the reading on the compact disc player 13 and the converter of CD-ROM 9, with data reading

  geographical information of the CD-ROM.

  In step 110, the main microprocessor issues a read command to

  a buffer of a decoder of the CD-ROM converter 9.

  The sub-microprocessor 12 reads a command in the buffer memory of the

  CD-ROM converter 9 (step 112) to interpret this command, i.e.

  say to determine if it is a read command (step 113). In the absence of a read command in step 113, a corresponding processing is performed (step 114). In the presence of a read command in step 113, the CD-ROM drive converter X 'II', 877 I1) (- 21 el) lclllbre 1997 - 15/43 goes into decode mode ( step 115). The reader of

  CD 13 switches to data read mode (step 116).

  The compact disc player 13 sends the read data to the CD-ROM converter 9 (117). The CD-ROM converter 9 decodes the transmitted geographic information data for storage in the SRAM memory 10. The stored data is sent to the main microprocessor 1 by the

sub-microprocessor 12.

  Audio playback operation To reproduce the geographic information audio data and music, a read operation such as reading geographic information data on CD-ROM is performed. As illustrated in FIG. 4, an audio CD is read starting at step 120. An audio playback command is transmitted from the main microprocessor 20 to the internal buffer of a decoder of the

  CD-ROM converter 9 (step 121).

  The sub-microprocessor 12 reads and interprets a command issued by the

  internal buffer of the decoder of the CD-ROM converter 9 (step 122). The sub

  microprocessor 12 determines whether to play the audio CD. If the answer is negative, the sub-microprocessor 12 performs an appropriate processing or a processing corresponding to step 124. In the positive case, in the presence of an audio playback control, the submicroprocessor transmits a command for reading the audio signal to the CD player 13 (step 125). The CD player 13 transmits the data read to the CD-ROM converter 9. For this, the CD-ROM converter 9 is in a mode where it is bypassed, without decoding the audio data (step 127), without decoding the data. transmitted data and with data transmission to the digital audio / digital converter 1 1 (step 128). The digital audio / digital converter 11 converts the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal to apply the analog signal

  audio to the analog filter 19 (step 129).

  The analog filter 19 eliminates the noise of the analog audio signal (step 130).

  the signal being connected to the multiple connector 20 for outputting the audio signal

  to reproduction means (step 131).

  Operation with video CD player This is the reading of geographical information data in video form as electronic information, by reading data

  geographical information of the CD-ROM and its on-screen display.

  Referring to Fig. 5, the playback of the video geographic information data starts at step 140. The main microprocessor 1 transmits a video playback command to the internal buffer of the R: \ I4800 \ 1I4877D) decoder. The microprocessor 12 reads and interprets a command originating from the main microprocessor via the buffer.

  internal of the converter decoder of CD-ROM 9 (step 142). The sub

  microprocessor 12 determines whether the command stipulates the playback of video data by means of the CD player 13 (step 143). If it is not a video data playback command, a corresponding processing is performed (step 144). If it is a video data read command, the sub-microprocessor 12 controls the playback of the video data by the CD player 13 (step 145). The CD player 13 transmits read data to the CD-ROM converter 9 (step 146). The CD-ROM drive 9 performs the decoding of the read data as received data (step 146) followed by its storage in a shared SRAM memory 10 (step 147). Thereafter, the sub-microprocessor 12 transmits the data stored in the SRAM 10 to an MPEG video decoder 15 (step 148). Simultaneously, the MPEG video decoder 15 determines whether it is data representing an audio signal or a video signal (step 149). If it is an audio signal, the MPEG video decoder 15 transmits the audio data to the audio MPEG decoder 14 (step 150). The MPEG audio decoder 14 converts the audio data into digital signals simultaneously with the decoding of the audio data, with application of the digitized signal to the audio digital to analog converter 11 (step 151). The digital audio / digital converter 11 converts the digital audio signal to an analog signal, the analog signal being applied to the analog filter 19 (step 152). The analog filter 19 eliminates the noise of the analog audio signal (step 153) to output a

  analog audio signal devoid of noise.

  Meanwhile, if in step 149 it has been determined that it is a video signal, the MPEG video decoder 15 decodes the video MPEG data to convert to a digital RGB (red-green) signal. blue) (step 154). Next, this digital signal is applied to a digital-to-analog video converter 17

  for conversion to an analog RGB signal (step 155).

  Reading the CD-ROM Table of Contents For the convenience of the user, the CD-ROM has a table of contents (hereafter referred to as TOC) that provides access to audio and video information and geographic do a search on the content,

  for example on geographical information.

  A read operation of the table of contents for content search

  recorded on a CD-ROM starts at step 160 in Figure 6.

  The main microprocessor 1 transmits a command to read the TOC to the decoder buffer of the CD-ROM converter 11 (step 161). The subprocessor 12 reads and interprets a command originating from the main microprocessor 1 via the internal decoder buffer of the CD-ROM converter 9 (step 162). At this time, it is determined whether or not the command to read the TOC (table of contents) is present (step 163). In the absence of a command to read the TOC, a corresponding processing is performed (164). If it is a command to read the TOC, the sub-microprocessor 12 commands the search of the TOC table of contents data by the CD player.

  13 (step 165). The CD player 13 transmits the TOC table of contents to the sub-

  microprocessor 12 (step 166). The sub-microprocessor 12 receives the TOC data (step 167), transmits the TOC data to the main microprocessor for displaying a predetermined content on the display member, according to the commands

  issued by the user (step 168).

  Process of reading / writing of data in SRAM The main microprocessor 1 performs the writing of system control data and data from the sub-microprocessor 12 into the SRAM 3 with reading of the data from the location designated from this memory

SRAM 3.

  As shown in Fig. 7A, a write operation starts at a step 170. The main microprocessor 1 determines a data size and data location for the SRAM 3 (step 171) with storage of the data.

  data at the designated location (172).

  As shown in Fig. 7B, a read operation starts at a step 180. The primary microprocessor 1 determines the size and location of the data to be read in the SRAM 3 (step 181), reads the data at the selected location (Step 182) and transmits the read data to a buffer of a main memory (Step 183). It can be shared DRAM 2, o

  memories 16 and 23 for controlling the video and graphics outputs.

  Audio Output of Geographic Information Data In the present invention, this may be a CD-I drive as a compact disc player. If such a compact disc player is used, the converter Cide CD-ROM 9 uses the ADPCM decoding, making it possible to output music and audio signals. This device sends voice geographical information, helping the driver of the vehicle to know

  easily geographical information.

  As shown in Fig. 8, an audio output of the geographic information data starts at step 190. For audio output of the geographic information data, the main microprocessor I validates an ADPCM decoder register of the CD-ROM converter. (step 191). The microprocessor R: \ 14800 \ 14877 DO (-23 sepIteliLe 1 [997 - I / 4.1 principal 1 controls the sub-microprocessor 12 using the audio data with transmission of audio donmlées accompanying the geographical information, output by the reader from CD 12 to CD-ROM converter 12. The CD-ROM converter 9 decodes the data and outputs the data converted into a digital signal to the digital audio to digital converter 11 (step 193). digital / analog audio converter 11 converts the digital signal into an analog signal with application of this analog signal to the analog filter 19 (step 194) The analog filter 19 eliminates the signal noise

  analog to then transmit the signal to the multiple connector 20 (step 195).

  Input Signal Processing Input signals shared between the user's keyboard input, the GPS satellite information input, and the gyro sensor input are processed.

  in the input part of the main microprocessor 1.

  As shown in Fig. 9A, the processing of user activation of a key begins at step 200. The main microprocessor 1 performs a scan to detect activation of a key (step 201). An algorithmne converts the activation of the key into a transmission signal (step 202). The converted value is transmitted in serial format to a corresponding data receiver for

  performing a control operation (step 203).

  As illustrated in FIG. 9B, GPS satellite data is received by the GPS satellite data receiver 7 via the antenna 8, the processing starting at step 210. In case of reception of the GPS satellite signal ( step 211), the data is converted to longitude, latitude, and other satellite information (step 212). Then the data is transmitted

  in series to the corresponding data receiver (step 213).

  As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the input processing for a sensor

  gyro, such as a direction or distance sensor, starts at step 220.

  First, the presence of an input signal of the gyro sensor is determined in step 221. This input signal is converted, using an algorithm of the system, to obtain a signal for transmission (step 222). The converted data is

  transmitted serially to the corresponding data receiver (step 223).

  The above-mentioned system includes the CD player 13. The main microprocessor 1 controls the sub-microprocessor 12 to provide the necessary geographic information for driving the vehicle to

  the user, by means of an audio signal and a video signal.

  Meanwhile, according to the present invention, the destination of the vehicle can change, and a control of the path must be realized. In this case, you must initialize the system. JR '11 1 I 7 (.17 DS - 23 September 1997 - 19/43 As shown in Figure 10, if the power switch 27 is set to

  in the "on" state, the main microprocessor 1 performs a routine or sub-routine

  initialization program 300 by a signal of the reset portion 25.

  A shared memory is initialized at a step 301. If there is no error during the initialization of the shared memory (step 302), a step 303 is started. A remote control, a display member such as an LCD display, a CD player 13 and flags or flags SRAM memories are initialized in step 303. Then, steps 304 to 308 are performed in sequence. A global variable and a pointer are initialized in step 304. A menu display screen is initialized and a color is determined in step 305. A home screen is displayed at step 306. A manager is signals is initialized at step 307. A signal allowing

  verify an initial state of the CD player 13 is taken into account in step 308.

  Subsequently, the main microprocessor I verifies the type of CD introduced in the CD player 13, with carrying out a suitable treatment. For this, in step 309, a reading of the TOC table of contents is controlled and it is determined whether or not the reading operation of the table of contents has taken place. If there is no reading of the table of contents in step 309, the CD check starts at

  step 320. If the read operation of the table of contents is proceeding normally.

  determining whether these are CDs with audio and video data, or geographic information data (step 310). In the case of geographic data, proceed to step 330. In the absence of geographic data, the processing proceeds to step 311. In step 311, it is determined whether or not the CD

  is an audio CD for the restitution of the music. If it is an audio CD.

  the operation of reading the audio signal starts as indicated in steps 120

at 131.

  If it is not an audio CD in step 311, step 312 is performed to determine if it is a video CD. If, in step 312, it is determined that it is a video CD, a video playback step 340 is performed. If it is not a video CD in step 312, a wait state is commanded at step 313. In the case of receiving the system load signal and the sub-microprocessor, the

  corresponding loading is inhibited (step 315).

  As described above, the main microprocessor 1 performs the initialization of the system during the initialization step, evaluates the information concerning the reader

  of CD 13 and prepares the operation of the system.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, during a CD 320 processing routine, the main microprocessor 1 checks whether the CD mounted in the CD player 13 is a

Audio CD (for music).

  First, the flags or flags as well as the variables relating to the CD player 13 are initialized (step 321). Keyboard key values provided by the remote control 28 are converted at the input portion as shown in FIG. 9A. The operating status of a CD is displayed on a screen (step 323). It is verified in step 324, if it is the CD displayed on the screen is used. It is indeed verified whether the type of CD displayed on the screen is identical to the type of CD actually installed (step 325). In the case of an error, at step 325, that is, if the two types of CDs do not match, there is displayed a CD error message on the screen (step 326). If both types of CDs match, the steps following the playback of the audio tracks 120 illustrated on the

Figure 4 are realized.

  As illustrated in Figure 12, a navigation routine 330 prepares a

  navigation treatment concerning the journey of the vehicle.

  Since it is necessary to update the main processor 1 and erase the journey data of the preceding vehicle if the latter starts a new journey, the data concerning the previous journey are erased by initialization of the SRAM 3 (step 331). The main microprocessor 1 reads the operating data of the system according to the denned reading operation from the

  SRAM 3, for storing the data in the main memory (step 332).

  In step 333, an exploration is performed to determine the presence of an input signal originating from the remote control 28, the input data of the remote control being converted into correspondence with the operation of processing the key value. received at the input of the remote control, with transmission of a control signal to the circuits concerned. The display member displays a menu of options corresponding to the input signal received from the remote control 28 (step 334). A step 335 inhibits any further processing of the key values received from the remote control. The reading step of the CD-ROM, 110, is performed at step 336 and it is checked whether it is a CD containing geographic information or not, to

step 337.

  If it is an audio CD, an error message is displayed (step 338). If it is not an audio CD, a main control processing routine 400 is performed during which the main microprocessor 1 controls system circuits in order to obtain a navigation course of the vehicle which corresponds at the same time content of the geographical information CD and the program of the

system.

  The geographic information processing routine for updating video data displaying geographic information and preparing a new

  Vehicle journey begins at a step 340.

  I IIll. The main microprocessor 1 initializes the indicators or flags of the video data and the variables (step 341). The value of a remote control key received as input is processed. (step 342) A CD options menu is displayed on

  the screen of the display member in step 343. Corresponding to the options menu. we check that the CD is a geographical information CD by means of

  the operation of processing the CD-ROM (step 344). We check that it is possible

  to read geographic information video data at step 345.

  If the CD is an audio CD for music, an error message is displayed on the screen in step 346. If the CD is an audio CD, the steps following step 140, illustrated on the FIG. 5, are produced using the audio data restored.

  accompanying geographic video information or video data.

  Thanks to the initialization processing performed as described above, the main microprocessor I can control the system in correspondence with the main control menu in order to carry out the navigation of the vehicle in response to the

course of the vehicle.

  For this, the main microprocessor 1 performs nine types of tasks

  concerning system input / output, for system control.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, a GPS satellite data reception processing step is performed and it is checked whether the data is received or not (step 410 and step 410 '). According to a sequence of the program. a search processing on a map is performed as well as a vertical scrolling processing of the content of the screen, and its smooth running is verified at the step

  450 and 450 '. A map is displayed corresponding to the geographic information.

  the data of the card are processed and the smooth running of this routine is determined in steps 530 and 530 '. A direction and a destination distance are calculated as a function of vehicle progress in step 560, and the smooth running of this routine at step 560 and 560 'is determined. The value of an input key is converted upon receipt of an input signal from the remote control with menu processing according to the value of the key received at the input, at step 610, with check of the good proceed to step 610 '. A management treatment concerning the destination and the places of journey on the path, received at the entrance of the driver during the driving of the vehicle, is carried out during routine 660 with verification at

step 660 '.

  Processing of the audio CD data is performed during routine 670 with verification at step 670 '. Video CD data processing is performed during

  routine 680 with verification in step 680 '. Input data from a sensor-

  gyro, such as a direction and distance sensor are received and processed

  during routine 690 with verification at step 690 '.

  A: \ 14800 \ 14877.DOC -21 S23 ellebe 1997 - 22/43 We will describe the routines concerned more specifically. As shown in FIG. 15, routine 410 receives data from GPS satellites with storage of

received data.

  To receive the satellite data, the link is checked by accessing a shared memory in step 411, with an indicator or flag corresponding to step 412 being initialized. A signal manager is activated in step 413. A GPS memory area is initialized at step 414 and at step 415 the data transmitted from the SRAM memory, shown in FIG. 7B, is read. At the end of the read operation, a read good confirmation signal is transmitted to a main processor of the GPS satellite data (not shown) in step 416. The main processor of the GPS satellite data processes the data of satellites

  received by means of a subroutine 420.

  More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the data received from satellites replace the data in a buffer of the serial data of the satellite receiver (step 421). It is determined whether or not the received signal is an erroneous signal, and if the received signal is an erroneous signal, a main control process is performed. If the received signal is not an erroneous signal, step 424 is performed. In correspondence, as shown in Figure 9B, data from

  GPS satellites are received in the GPS satellite information input section.

  Step 425 determines the end of the satellite data reception operation. If at step 425 the end of the satellite receive operation is determined, step 426 is performed. In step 426, the header of the received data is checked. In step 426, it is verified that it is indeed the header "GPGGA" as a segment code. At step 428, latitude, longitude, and altitude fields are stored in the shared memory. If the value of the header is not "GPGGA", step 429 checks whether it is a "GPVTG" segment code. If the data in the header does not

  do not correspond to "GPVTG", at step 429, step 426 is repeated to verify the

  head. If the value of the header is "GPVTG", a speed and a direction of advancement are stored in the shared memory. Here, "GPGGA" and "GPVTG" are codes

  segment that are determined voluntarily to verify the header data.

  A map search and screen scrolling routine 450 is performed to learn the map data from various information such as motion, path variation, and vehicle rotation, corresponding to

the progress of the vehicle.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, a link processing of the shared memory is performed during a step 451. A step 452 initializes a program so as to determine cartographic management information and a module of 1 IS1'f1 Ig77 [) OC - 23 spteinmblre '1997 - 23143 data of a graphic drawing variable, a memory space is allocated and the

  path to follow on the CD is determined.

  Step 453 determines and initializes the necessary data. A signal handler is assigned at step 454 and is initialized to be well adapted to processing the corresponding signal in response to signals for other processing. Step 455 corresponds to a standby state accompanied by the exploration of the presence of an interruption for a predetermined duration. If, at step 455, a signal corresponding to an interrupt is received, it is determined whether it is a return code or not. If the interrupt does not correspond to a return code at step 455, then

  determines which of the subroutines is to be executed at step 456. If, the sub-program

* program is started in correspondence to an interrupt provided by an external input, and, consequently, a value of the coordinates set by the user as well

  a coordinate value set by the GPS system is calculated.

  For this, the possibilities are the launching of a routine A following the reception of an interruption of the outside, the search for an indication on a corresponding card with, if necessary, the passage of a command to the unit displaying the map, at step 457, with its display by the unit displaying the map. In a step 458, a search is performed on the map in response to a direction of travel. More specifically, to execute the routine A, as illustrated in FIG. 18, in step 461, it is determined whether a signal manager associated with the input signal is active or not. In the absence of an input signal, i.e., if the signal handler is not activated, step 462 corresponds to a waiting state. If the signal manager is activated, a signal input relating to a scrolling position on the screen is confirmed sequentially in steps 463 and 464. In the presence of an input signal, a routine B indicating a The signal manager and the data processing corresponding to the card are performed at step 465. In the absence of a signal determining the scrolling position on the screen, a step 467 determines whether or not satellite data GPS are received. If it is confirmed that the GPS satellite data is received, a signal handler is assigned (step 468) and a routine C, to perform a level shift within the

  displacement in the position of the vehicle, is performed.

  In the absence of reception of the GPS satellite data, it is determined whether a control signal for the display of all the information is received or not input at step 469. If the input constitutes the control signal, the signal manager is assigned and a routine D to change a level of rotation information, is performed in step 470. On the contrary, if the information display control signal is not received as input, consider that this is a new signal R: \ 14800 \ 14877.1) DOC - 23 scpwcnbre 19 ') 7 - 24,43 information input in step 471, and in step 472, it is determined whether it is a

command to display a map.

  If it is a new information input signal and if the card display signal is received as input, a signal handler is assigned in step 473 and a routine E is performed to determine the destination and the

places of passage.

  If there is no input of the display command signal of the card, it is checked whether the destination and the places of passage are present at the entry at the step 474. If it is confirmed that the destination and the places of passage are present at the input, a signal handler is assigned and the step of scanning the return code 456 is executed. As illustrated in FIG. 19, if the routine B is executed, there is a calculation of a latitude and a longitude of a scroll position on the screen, i.e.

  a user-determined coordinate value is calculated at step 481.

  Start and end indicators for the coordinate values are determined in step 482 and at step 483 map data corresponding to the scroll position indication are stored. Step 484 performs a

  level shift, depending on the variation of the scroll position.

  When executing routine C, step 491 stores the values of the coordinates determined by the GPS. At step 492, a level shift for

  a traveling scroll position is performed.

  When executing the routine D, in step 501, a global value indicator and a level shift indicator are set to "1" and it is considered that the rotation and stopping of the card were made. If the indicator is "1", the effect of step 502 is to perform a level shift centered on the displacement of the

scroll position.

  When executing the routine E, in step 510, it is determined whether the vehicle is running or not. If vehicle operation is confirmed, GPS features are stored (step 512), a level shift around the displacement of the position of the vehicle.

  scrolling is performed at step 513, and processing proceeds to step 519.

  If the vehicle does not advance, step 514 calculates a value of the position of

  scrolling. In step 515, the state of a flag or position indicator is determined.

  If this position indicator is at "1" in step 515, map data is stored at step 516. A level shift is performed at step 517, centered on the displacement of the scroll position. In step 518, a scrolling of the graphical display corresponding to the instantaneous display and the destination display. Depending on the presence or absence of the flag or vehicle progress indicator, it is determined in step 520 whether or not the advancement of the vehicle is in progress. The destination is checked at step 522. If the vehicle has not been stopped, a destination and a crossing point for that vehicle will be stopped.

  destination are verified at step 521.

  A routine 530 performs card drawing processing as illustrated in FIG. 20. Binding processing of the shared memory is performed at step 531. A program is initialized at step 532, determining the CD, the graphics module. and the path for the SRAM are selected with allocation of the shared memory. A signal handler is assigned in step 533. The validation status for the system's microprocessor is confirmed in step 534. A polling of the state of the input terminal is performed at predetermined periods to detect the presence of an interruption (step 535). In the presence of an interruption, we check

  step 536, if the signal handler is still available.

  If the signal handler is not available, a wait state is commanded at step 537. If the signal handler is available, step 538 starts. In step 538, it is determined whether the signal of the signal manager relates to a scroll position or not. If the signal relates to a scrolling position. the signal handler is decommissioned at step 539 and a card drawing operation

is performed at step 540.

  In order to calculate a destination, a direction and a distance as a function of the vehicle progress, a routine 560 is executed as illustrated in FIG. 21. A shared memory link processing is performed at step 561, and the presence possible error in the link processing is checked in step 562. In the presence of a link processing error, the displayed information returns to the main menu at step 563. If there is no link processing error, a signal handler is assigned at step 564. A flag or flag 565 is initialized in the SRAM at step 565. The pointers of the variables are initialized at step 567. The step 568 determines a destination direction and a distance calculation mode. Then, a selection of the input value is performed and

  a map is drawn thanks to the 570 routine.

  As illustrated in FIG. 22, it is determined in step 571 whether the program Ldu is complete. If the system program is completed, step 572 completes the routine with return to a boot routine with display of information on a main menu. In the absence of a termination signal, it is determined in step 573 whether it is an erroneous termination signal. In case of an incorrect termination signal, there is a return to the initialization routine with display of information on the main menu. If the termination signal is not erroneous. the receipt of the GPS satellite data is checked in step 577. If the data is received from the GPS satellites, it is determined at step 578. whether or not the vehicle is moving If the GPS satellites are not received and the vehicle is not determined to be rolling, step 571 is repeated and the routine is performed again. , a destination, a direction and a distance are calculated at

  step 580 for storage in SRAM.

  In the case where the data is received from GPS satellites and the vehicle is moving forward, a routine 580 is executed. As illustrated in FIG. 22B, it is determined in step 581 whether there is an error in the GPS satellite data. In the case of an error in the GPS satellite data, step 582 determines whether the direction of movement of the vehicle is northward. If the direction of travel is north, step 583 determines whether the direction on the map will be north. If, in the meantime, the direction on the map is not directly north, step 584 will set the direction north on the map. If the vehicle is not moving north and the direction on the map is north, step 585 will initiate a destination direction that results from a GPS data error with destination direction cancellation. wrong. If there is no error in the GPS data, in order to reset the destination direction, in step 586 direction, speed, longitude, latitude, and dimensional data in the shared memory are read. Step 587 calculates a direction of advancement. Step 588 determines whether the direction of travel of the vehicle is northward. If the direction of travel is not north, step 589 determines whether or not the direction on the map is in a straight line or not. If the direction on the map is not in a straight line, step 590 determines the direction on the map as north. However, if the direction on

  the map is not north, step 594 will calculate a direction of advancement.

  Meanwhile, if the advancing direction is north, step 591 of Figure 22C determines the azimuth (i.e., north, south, east, west directions) on the map. If the azimuth of the map is determined, step 592 determines whether the direction on the map is in a straight line or not. If the direction on the map is not in a straight line, the direction on the map is renewed at step 593. In addition, if it is determined at step 591 that the direction on the map is online right, step 594 calculates a direction

  progress on the basis of the direction on the map.

  Step 595 updates a direction of advancement according to the calculation results of step 594. After determining the direction of advancement, step 596 determines whether the destination is fixed or not. If the destination is set, at step 597, it is determined whether a latitude and longitude of the destination are good or not. If the longitude and latitude of the destination are good, at steps 598 and 599, the destination direction is calculated as follows: ## EQU1 ## as well as a straight-line distance to the destination If the destination is not fixed (step 596) or if the latitude and longitude of the destination are not good, the direction of the destination is canceled at the destination. step 600. Data concerning the direction of the destination, the distance and the like

  are written to the SRAM in step 601, as shown in FIG. 7A.

  In order to process the value of a key forming part of the remote control signal sent by the user, a remote control signal processing routine 610 is executed as illustrated in Figs. 23A and 23B. The main microprocessor 1 performs a link processing with the shared memory (step 611). The success of the link processing is evaluated at step 612. In the event of an error, in step 612, the routine ends. In the absence of an error in step 612, a flag or flag is initialized. A global variable and a corresponding pointer are initialized at step 614 and a destination direction at step 615, a destination indication mode is set at step 616. Step 617 performs the processing of the data of the SRAM as shown in Figure 7A with reading of the conversion value corresponding to the value provided by the remote control. A signal manager is assigned in step 618. In step 619, it is determined whether the signal handler has been assigned using a corresponding flag or indicator. If the signal handler has been assigned in step 618, the routine ends. If the signal manager

  is not assigned in step 618, step 620 starts.

  In step 620, the presence or absence of a compact disc read command is determined. In the presence of a CD playback command, step 621 displays a wait symbol during CD playback. Without

  of a CD play command, step 622 will display the symbol of the card.

  The current state is checked at step 623. Step 624 displays a position of the vehicle. Step 625 displays errors of the GPS system. System 626 displays a scroll control sensor. Step 627 displays a destination direction. Step 630 displays a latitute, longitude, and altitude. In step 631, it is determined whether a flag or level conversion flag among the scaled down conversion variables is in the "1" state. If the level conversion flag is set to "1" and after having tested the status of the signal handler assignment flag, a scaled down conversion mode is automatically controlled, the predetermined geographic information is displayed on the screen and we check in step 619 the assignment or not

of a signal manager.

  However, if the level conversion indicator is not "1". processing for receiving an input signal from the remote control is performed at step 632, R: \ 1 4800 \ 14877 DOC - 23 september 1 j97 2S'43 as shown in Fig. 9A. The keyboard activation scan is performed from the outside. The geographic information displayed in correspondence with the input fields corresponding to a key activation is processed. This

  processing ends with the 640 keyboard input selection routine.

  The keyboard input selector routine 640 activates different commands based on a predetermined key code corresponding to the key assignment number. As shown in FIG. 23C, a key scan is performed, the key assignment numbers designating a job processing. If the key code is greater than 7f11 and less than 89h in step 641, scrolling of the screen is performed at step

642.

  If the key code is 89h in step 643, a processing displaying indications on the screen is performed in step 644. If the key code is 8ah in step 645, a place name search is performed in step 646. If the key code is 8bh in step 647, determining a destination is performed. If the key code is 8ch in step 649, step 650 executes a cancel command. If the key code is 8 dh in step 651, a scaling down is controlled. If the key code is 8eh in step 653, step 654 performs a reduced scale down processing. If the key code is 8fh in step 655, a processing corresponding to the menu display is performed. If the key code is 90h in step 657, step 658 performs a processing

  for help information, this terminates the processing of the entries received from the keys.

  The vehicle must check a destination as well as a journey from the place of departure to the destination while the vehicle is moving. In order to check the route,

  a path determination routine 660 is executed.

  To determine the path, as illustrated in FIG. 24, an initialization process is performed as in the other routines, the main microprocessor 1 being linked to the shared memory, with initialization of the flag, assignment of a signal manager and initialization of the journey. In correspondence, the read processing of the domains obtained from the SRAM memory illustrated in Fig. 7 is executed. Then, a path determination menu is displayed, at step 661, with data conversion processing according to the input signals received from

  outside, the data thus being predetermined.

  In step 662, it is determined whether or not the user has chosen new data in the menu. In the presence of new data in step 662, the destination, start point, and place of transit data are simultaneously taken into account in steps 663, 664, and 665. If changes were made to step 666 a crossing point will be updated at step 667. In the presence of an inverting input at step 668, the destination and the starting place are reversed RI, IS "II -.77)) ( In the case of a cancellation signal in step 670, the path is canceled in step 671. In the presence of a simulation signal of trip to step 672. a trip simulation between the departure and the destination is performed at step 673. In the presence of a guidance control signal at step 674, a route guidance is performed in step 675. If the guidance is canceled in step 676. the display returns to the map display in step 678. In the absence of a cancel signal In step 676, in step 677, it is determined whether the termination key has been activated or not. In case of activation of the termination key in step 677, in step 678 the program returns to the map display. If the termination key is not activated in step 677, the program returns to the display of the

  choice menu of trips to step 611.

  The main microprocessor 1 carries out a processing of the CD data at

  the routine 680, step 680 'determining whether the execution has taken place or not.

  Routine 680 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and has been explained above in FIG.

  description, and will not be repeated here.

  The main microprocessor 1 processes the video data of the CD using a routine 690. Step 690 'determines whether the execution has taken place. This

  routine is illustrated in Figure 5 which has been explained above in the description and

  his description will not be repeated here.

  The input signal of the gyro sensor is processed by means of the azimuth processing routine 700 shown in Fig. 25. The main microprocessor 1 performs an initialization routine at the beginning of this routine 700. At step 701. link processing with the shared memory is performed and communication is established. The flags are initialized at step 702 and a signal handler is

assigned to step 703.

  The azimuth data is initialized in step 704. In step 705, data is read from the SRAM as shown in FIG. 6. There is confirmation

  a method of processing an input signal of the gyro sensor at step 706.

  that is to say, we fix a so-called azimuth mode.

  The data is stored in the shared memory by executing the azimuth input signal processing routine 710. As shown in FIG. B, the serial buffer data is completely cleared at step 711 In step 712, it is determined whether or not the azimuth control signal is an erroneous signal or not. If the azimuth control signal is erroneous, an azimuth error signal is checked in step 513 with return to the main control process. If the azimuth control signal is not erroneous, the azimuth data is received for the conversion of the input signal obtained from the gyro sensor, as shown in FIG.

Figure 9C.

  R: \ 14800 \ 14877 DOC - 23 seleltllre 1997 -301/43 Step 715 is used to determine if all the azimuth data have been received

  or not. If the reception of the azimuth data is not completed, step 714 is repeated. If the reception of the azimuth data is complete, a header of

received information is

explored in step 716.

  In step 717, it is determined whether a data write control signal is present in the header. In the absence of a data write control signal at step 717, the header is checked again at step 716. If the data write control signal is present at the same time, it is step 717, an angle of rotation is stored at

  step 718 in the shared memory.

  Commune described above, in order to easily control the system when moving the vehicle, the remote control for the driver is installed near it, allowing him to activate the compact disc player to reproduce music or output geographical information by means of an audio signal. More specifically, the present invention makes it possible to control the execution of each display task of the geographical information contained on the CD-ROM independently. As a result, information about the trip can be searched quickly and operated in time.

  real while driving the vehicle.

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but it is capable of numerous variants accessible to

  the person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  I D I.h77 0C <- 2. epkcel> ber 1997 - 31/43

Claims (18)

  A navigation system comprising: a satellite data receiver (7) for receiving GPS satellite data; - a remote control (28), located adjacent to the driver of a vehicle, providing input signals from outside; a gyro sensor (26) for detecting a direction of travel of the vehicle and a distance traveled; a compact disc player (13) for reading digital video and audio signals from a CD-ROM containing musical data and geographic information data; a CD-ROM converter or decoder (9) using an ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulsed Coding) method for decoding the audio data simultaneously with the decoding of the CD-ROM data; - a sub-microprocessor (12) reading the commands of the CD-ROM converter, for controlling the operation of the CD player as well as controlling the power supply provided by a power supply unit; a plurality of memories (10, 11) for storing audio data and geographic information data provided by the CD-ROM converter (9); an output unit (20) providing the audio data as well as the geographic information data to external audio and display components, thereby realizing the audio data output and the video image display; and - a main microprocessor (1) which converts input data, selectively stores the input data in memory, and applies data obtained by reading the compact disc to navigation means located within a vehicle, by control of the sub-microprocessor and the circuit of the system.   2. Navigation system according to claim 1. characterized in that the main microprocessor comprises: - an input portion (6) for modifying the input data; - a display controller (22) for controlling a screen search and scrolling of the display; - a card drawing part for making a card; means for calculating destination directions and distances; - a management part for the management of the destination and places of passage on the road.   Scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the CD-ROM converter (9) comprises: a decoder (15) for the video processing of the CD-ROM; and - a part for the processing of audio data by the ADPCM method.   4. Navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,   characterized in that the output unit comprises: - an audio MPEG decoder (14) and a video MPEG decoder (15) which decode audio data and video data supplied separately input, corresponding to a control of the main microprocessor ( 1); - a digital-to-analog video converter (17) and a digital-to-analog audio converter (l 1) which convert the digital video signal and the digital audio signal of the MPEG video decoder and the audio MPEG decoder (15, 14) into analog signals; and - a graphics controller (22) for transmitting signals from the   video converter (15) digital / analog video.   5. A method of controlling and controlling a vehicle navigation system comprising the steps of: - initializing a system to allow loading of domnnées; - to receive data from GPS satellites and to convert GPS satellite data; - to search on a map, and to scroll a screen; - to build a map; - to calculate a direction of destination and one or more distance (s); receiving a signal transmitted by a remote control, and processing a menu; to manage in real time a destination and one or more place (s) of passage on a path; - to order an audio CD-ROM; - to order a video CD-ROM; and - to receive data from a gyro sensor, and to process data from the gyroscopic sensor.   The method of controlling a navigation system according to claim 5, wherein the initializing step comprises the steps of: initializing the data of a system; assigning a signal manager for the system data; I - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CD (No. 23) - 33/43 - to read a table of contents on a CD-ROM - to determine the type check the CD-ROM to see if it is an audio CD (music) - to read navigation control data, if the CD-ROM is a CD with map information, and - to read video data, if the CD-ROM is a CD containing geographic video information.   7. A control method of a navigation system according to claim 6, characterized in that the verification step to see if it is an audio CD (music) comprises the steps of: - to initialize indicators or flags and variables; to process key values received at the input of a remote control; - to display the operating status of a CD on a screen; - to check the CD;   - to perform a read operation of the audio CD (music).   8. A method of controlling a navigation system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the step of reading an audio CD (music) comprises the steps of: - to issue an audio playback command at CD-ROM converter (9) using the main microprocessor (1); reading and interpreting the command of the CD-ROM converter (9) by means of the sub-microprocessor (12); - to determine whether or not the audio CD is played back; - to perform the reading of the CD, under the control of the main microprocessor (1), in the case where it is an audio CD; transmitting data from the CD player to the CD-ROM converter (9); putting the CD-ROM converter in a bypass mode, so that the CD-ROM converter (9) does not perform a decoding operation; - not to decode, by means of the CD-ROM converter, the transmitted data and to divert the data transmitted to the digital-to-analog audio converter, by means of the CD-ROM converter (9); and - to eliminate the noise of the data signal in use an analog filter and to   generate data without noise.   9. A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the step of reading data from   A: 14,800,14877, DOC (Sept. 23-Sept. 34-43) navigation command from the CD containing geographic information comprises the steps of: - initializing an SRAM-type memory - storing data in the memory SRAM - to receive key values from the remote control as input, and to process them, - to display a menu of options, and   - to read CD-ROMs after receiving a remote control key value.   10. A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the step of storing the data in   the SRAM comprises the steps of: - determining the size of the data and the position of the data; and   storing the data in a designated position of the SRAM.   11. A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the step of providing input   and processing the key values of the remote control comprises the steps of: - receiving input data corresponding to the key; converting the input data corresponding to the key into a transmission format; and - to transmit in series, a value converted to a corresponding data receiver. 12. A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the step of reading the CD-ROM   comprises the steps of: - transmitting a read command to a buffer of the CD-ROM converter (9) by means of the main microprocessor (1); reading and interpreting the command provided by the buffer of the CD-ROM converter by the submicroprocessor (12); - to determine if there is (the state) a read command or not; to switch the CD-ROM converter into a decoding mode according to the status of the read command; - to put the CD player in a data reading mode; to decode the data transmitted by the CD-ROM converter and to store the data transmitted by the CD-ROM converter in an SRAM memory; and R [ISI 1-1S77 DI (C-23 cIlll [re 1997 - 35 43 to transmit the data stored in an SRAM memory to the   main microprocessor (1), under the control or control of the sub- microprocessor (12).   13. A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the step of reading the data   The video CD-ROM includes the steps of: - initializing an indicator and a variable; - to receive as input and to process the value of a key of the remote control; - to display a launch screen chosen for the options menu for the CD; - to check the type of CD-ROM; and   - to read the video data if it is indeed a video CD-ROM.   14. A method of controlling a navigation system according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of reading the video data comprises the steps of: - transmitting a video playback command to the CD-ROM converter ( 9) using the main microprocessor (1); reading and interpreting the command sent by the CD-ROM converter by means of the sub-microprocessor (12); - to determine if the video CD is playing or not; to control a read operation on the CD player by means of the sub-microprocessor; - to transmit data from the CD player: - to decode the data transmitted by means of the CD-ROM converter. and storing the data in an SRAM memory; transmitting the data stored in the SRAM memory to a video MPEG decoder (15) under the control of the sub-microprocessor (1); determining whether the data is audio data or video data: in the case of audio data, transmitting the audio data to the audio MPEG decoder under the control of the MPEG video decoder; decoding the audio data using the audio MPEG decoder and converting the audio data into a digital signal; - converting the digital audio signal to an analog signal by means of the digital to analog audio converter; and eliminating the noise of the average data signal of an analog filter, and   generate data without noise.   A control method of a navigation system according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of determining whether the data is audio data. or video data includes the steps of: - decoding, in the case where the data is video data, the MPEG video data using the MPEG video decoder and converting the data into a digital red-green-blue (RGB) format and converting the digital RGB signal into an analog RGB signal by means of the digital-to-analog video converter (17). 16.- A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 5 to 15, characterized in that the receiving and processing step   GPS satellite data comprises the steps of: - creating a link with a shared memory; - to initialize a flag; - to assign a signal manager; - to initialize the GPS system; - read data from the SRAM and transmit ul read confirmation signal to a GPS satellite data processor; - to empty the data stored in a serial buffer; - to determine if the GPS signal has errors or not; - to receive the GPS data if the GPS signal has no error;   - to determine a termination of the revenue transaction, and to verify an   head of received data - to determine the presence of a confirmation of receipt code (GPGGA) in the header; storing longitude, latitude and altitude data in the shared memory in the case where the confirmation of reception code (GPGGA) is present in the header; - to determine the presence of a confirmation of receipt code (GPVTG) in the header; and - to store a speed and a direction of advancement in the shared memory   in case the confirmation of receipt code (GPVTG) is in the en-   head. 17. A method of controlling a navigation system according to claim 16, wherein the step of receiving the GPS data comprises the steps of: receiving and processing GPS data and converting GPS data to longitude, latitude, and other satellite information; and - to transmit, in series, a converted value to a corresponding data receiver. 18. A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 5 to 17, characterized in that the step of performing a   Searching the map and scrolling the screen comprises the steps of: - performing a link with the shared memory; - to initialize a program; - to set and initialize the necessary data; - assign a signal handler; - to determine the presence or absence of an external interruption signal; determining whether a return code is present at the input in the absence of an external interrupt signal; - To scan an external interrupt signal to evaluate the return code and look for a corresponding display menu; and - to search for a map unit if necessary, and to search for an element   map according to a direction of vehicle advancement.   19. A method of controlling a navigation system according to claim 18, characterized in that the step of scanning the external interrupt signal comprises the steps of: - determining whether a signal manager is affected; - To receive as input a scroll position signal, if the signal manager is activated, and to change the level of the scroll position on the screen in the presence of a signal determining the scroll position; - to vary the scroll position according to the GPS data, when the GPS data is received; - to vary, dynamically, the scroll position level compared to a global value in the case of information display output; and - in the case where new information is received as input, and o a map display signal is received as input, to fix the destination and the places passing on the way.   R \ 14800 \, 14877 DOC -23 SepIllemihr 19) 7 - 3, / 43 20.- A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one of   Claims 5 to 19, characterized in that the step of drawing the map   comprises the steps of: - making a connection with the shared memory; - to allocate memory and initialize the contents of the memory; - to assign a signal manager; - to check a validation status for a data receiver; - to determine the presence or absence of an interruption signal; determining whether a signal manager signal is absent in the absence of an input reception of an interrupt signal; determining whether a signal of the signal manager is a signal controlling the scrolling position; canceling the signal of the signal manager in the case where this signal is a scroll position control signal; and   - to draw a map according to a value of a table system.   21. A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 5 to 20, characterized in that the step of calculating the   destination direction and the distance comprises the steps of: - initializing the destination direction calculation and the distance calculation mode by means of an initialization step; - to receive the GPS satellite data - to calculate and store the direction of destination and the distance corresponding to the movement of the vehicle; search for errors in GPS data; - in case of confirmation of an error, to choose the north as direction of travel and to align accurately the direction of the map, and to cancel the predetermined destination; - to obtain direction data, speed, longitude and latitude of the shared memory in the case where the GPS data are not erroneous; - calculate a direction of advancement; - to determine if the direction of advancement is towards the north; calculating the direction of advancement from the direction determined on the basis of the map and updating it; - to check whether the destination is determined or not; - to check if the longitude and latitude of the destination are good or not, when the destination is fixed; In the case where the longitude and latitude of the destination are good, calculate the direction of destination and a straight line distance to the destination; and - writing data into the SRAM to store the destination direction and the straight-line distance. 22.- A method of controlling a navigation system according to claim 21, characterized in that the step of writing data in the SRAM memory comprises the steps of: - determining a data size and a data position ; and   storing the data in a designated position.   23.- A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 5 to 22, characterized in that the step of receiving the input to   from the remote control and menu processing comprises the steps of: - converting and processing the input data originating from a remote control after the initialization step, storing the data in SRAM memory and reading the data stored from SRAM; - to check if a signal manager is activated or not; - if a signal handler is enabled, checking for the presence of a CD read command and displaying a wait symbol or card symbol; - to check the instantaneous state of the entry; - to display the position of the vehicle, the GPS error as well as a scrolling cursor; displaying a destination direction, a reduced scale, a destination distance, a longitude, a latitude and an altitude; - to check if the state of a level conversion flag is equal to "1" when processing the scaled down conversion; processing an input signal corresponding to a key of the remote control if the level conversion indicator flag is not "1"; - to carry out an automatic conversion to a reduced scale if the state of the level conversion indicator flag is "1"; and   - to determine the entry corresponding to a key.   24. A method of controlling a navigation system according to claim 23, characterized in that the step of determining the input corresponding to a key comprises the steps of: - finding by scanning an assignment number of key; A: \ 14800 \ 14877. DOC - 22 December 1997 - 40/43 - scrolling the screen in response to the key assignment number; - to display a symbol; - to search for the name of a place; - to fix the destination; - to cancel - to enlarge the reduced scale; - to reduce the reduced scale; - to display the menu; and   - to provide guidance information.   25.- A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   Claims 5 to 24, characterized in that the step of managing the destination and   of a pathway comprises the steps of: - displaying a menu of choice of path during an initialization step; - to enter the destination, the place of departure, and the place of passage when the input signal is received as input; - to change the place of passage when a modification signal is received at the input; - to reverse the destination and the place of departure when an inversion signal is received at the input; - to erase the path when an erase signal is received as input; - to perform a simulation of the journey from the place of departure to the destination if a path simulation signal is received at the input; and - to perform a path guidance method if a signal for realizing guidance is received as input.   26.- A method of controlling a navigation system according to any one   claims 5 to 25, wherein the step of receiving and processing the   azimuth data comprises the steps of: - reading the azimuth data from the SRAM after an initialization step; - to choose an azimuth mode; - to empty the contents of a serial buffer; - to determine if errors are present in the azimuth data; to receive the azimuth data if the azimuth data are good; - to check a header if the reception of the data is complete; checking whether the input comprises a data recording control signal; and R <14411'J1.i77 D ((- 23 sptcuIle 1997 - 41/43 - to store a rotation angle in the shared memory if the header includes the   control signal for recording data.   \ 14800 \ 14877DOC - 23 seplemIbre 197 - 42/43