JP2002277255A - Mobile location indicator and mobile location indicating method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display the moving condition of a mobile in an easily recognizable form for a user. SOLUTION: A navigator computes the gravity center of locations of vehicles based on present position information of own vehicle and other vehicles. The navigator displays a symbol (X) indicating the computed gravity center of the locations of these vehicles, and symbols indicating the plurality of vehicles on the same map screen corresponding to an area covering the present positions of the plurality of vehicles, in a display form with the gravity center located approximately at the center of the map screen to be displayed (but the symbol indicating the gravity center may not be displayed on the map screen). In the display of such map screen, line segments between the symbols indicating the vehicles form the sides of a polygon having a maximum area and are colored e.g. red, etc., easily identifiable for the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a moving object position display device and a moving object position displaying method for displaying the position of a moving object on a map screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field of automobiles, which are typical moving objects, various types of navigation for displaying the detected current position of the own vehicle on a map screen and guiding a route to a desired destination. A system has been proposed.

As an example of such a navigation system, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-59533 proposes a system for displaying information obtained by performing communication between a plurality of moving bodies.

[0004]

However, according to the above-mentioned prior art, when the current positions of a plurality of moving objects are displayed on the same map screen, a change in the approaching state of the moving objects is determined.
The user cannot intuitively recognize.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a moving object position display device, a moving object position displaying method, and a computer program for displaying a moving state of a moving object in a display mode that can be easily recognized by a user.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a moving object position display device according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, a moving object position display device for displaying the positions of a plurality of moving objects on the same map screen, wherein the center of gravity of the positions of the moving objects is determined based on the position information of the plurality of moving objects. The points are calculated, and on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the locations of the plurality of moving objects, a symbol representing the plurality of moving objects is set such that the calculated center of gravity is substantially at the center of the map screen. It is characterized by comprising display control means for displaying in the arranged display mode.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, when a common destination is set for the plurality of moving bodies, the display control means compares the position information of the plurality of moving bodies with the position information of the destination. Based on calculating the center of gravity of each of the positions based on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the location of the plurality of moving objects and the destination, a symbol representing the plurality of moving objects, The symbol representing the destination is displayed in a display mode in which the calculated center of gravity is arranged substantially at the center of the map screen.

A moving object position display device having another structure for achieving the above-mentioned object is a moving object position display for displaying the location of at least one moving object and its destination on the same map screen. An apparatus for calculating a center of gravity between the location of the mobile unit and the destination based on the location information of the mobile unit and the location information of the destination, and the location of the mobile unit and the destination A display mode in which the calculated center of gravity point of the symbol representing the moving object and the symbol representing the destination is arranged substantially at the center of the map screen on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the ground. It is characterized by comprising a display control means for displaying by.

Further, a moving object position display device having another structure for achieving the above-mentioned object has a moving object position display for displaying the location and the destination of at least one moving object on the same map screen. The device, wherein the symbol representing the moving body and the symbol representing the destination are displayed on the same map screen corresponding to an area including the location of the moving body and the destination. Is displayed in a display mode in which a symbol representing is arranged substantially at the center of the map screen.

In each of the above device configurations, when there are a plurality of moving objects, the display control means may display individual symbols of the plurality of moving objects on the map screen.

Further, for example, the display control means changes the scale of the map screen to be displayed so as to display all the individual symbols on the same map screen, and displays all the symbols on the same map screen. Even if it cannot be displayed on the upper side, it is good to prohibit the display at a scale smaller than the predetermined scale. However, in this case, if the individual symbols cannot all be displayed on the same map screen on a map screen with a scale larger than the predetermined scale, the display control means may select a symbol that is not displayed among the individual symbols. Is preferably selected as a scale factor of the map screen to be displayed, which is smaller than the predetermined scale factor.

[0013] Further, for example, the moving body position display device includes:
In a case where the display device is mounted on or carried by the own moving body, the display control means, when displaying a symbol representing the location of the own moving body, displays the symbol at an end on the map screen. In this case, the map screen to be displayed may be scrolled so that the display position of the symbol is shifted by a predetermined amount toward the center of the map screen.

In the case where the moving object position display device is a display device mounted on or carried by the own moving object, the display control means may change the moving direction of the own moving object when displaying the map screen. It is preferable to prohibit the display mode of the heading-up facing the upper part of the map screen. In this case, for example, it is preferable that the center of gravity is displayed in a display mode arranged above the symbol representing the own moving body.

Further, for example, when the destination is located at one end of a polygon having a maximum area formed by the destination and the plurality of moving bodies, When the center of gravity is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen, and the destination is included in a polygon having a maximum area formed by the locations of the plurality of moving objects, It is preferable that the symbol representing the ground is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by a moving object position display method corresponding to the moving object position display device of each of the above structures, and
A program (program code) that realizes these devices and methods in an information processing device (computer) such as a navigation device, a portable information terminal, or a mobile phone, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program code. Can be realized.

[0017]

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a moving object position display device, a moving object position displaying method, and a computer program for displaying a moving state of a moving object in a display mode that can be easily recognized by a user. .

That is, claim 1, claim 2, claim 13,
According to the fourteenth aspect, the calculated center of gravity is displayed at substantially the center of the map screen, so that the user can intuitively and easily recognize the moving state of the moving object.

According to the third and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, the symbol representing the destination is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen, so that the user can intuitively determine the approach status of the moving object to the destination. And it can be easily recognized.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, the user can intuitively and easily recognize the approach status of each mobile unit to the common destination.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of moving objects and symbols representing destinations are dispersed over a wide area, some of the moving objects are not displayed on the map screen. However, since the map screen with a scale smaller than the predetermined scale that is easy for the user to recognize is not displayed, the recognizability of the displayed map screen can be maintained.

However, according to the invention of claim 6, when the operation management of a plurality of moving bodies is performed or when the group running is performed, it is necessary to display more than a predetermined number of symbols representing the moving bodies. Although lack of convenience is expected, according to the invention of claim 7, in such a case, a map screen having a scale smaller than a predetermined scale is selected, and thus the map screen is displayed on the map screen. Since all power symbols are displayed, convenience can be maintained.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the self-moving object can be prevented from being displayed at the end of the map image, so that the convenience can be improved.

For example, when the mobile object is an automobile, a head bridge is provided on a loop bridge or a mountain road where a curved road continues.
When the up display mode is selected, the user is uncomfortable when the displayed map screen is swirled. According to the invention of claim 9, such an uncomfortable state is displayed, for example, when the center of gravity point of the mobile object is changed. Can be prevented by a display mode (claim 10) or the like arranged above the symbol representing.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the symbol representing the destination is always displayed at an easily viewable position.
Convenience is improved.

Further, on a map screen in which individual symbols representing a plurality of moving objects are scattered, it is not easy for human eyes to grasp the moving state of each moving object at a glance. According to this, since the shape of the polygon formed by these symbols changes continuously on the map screen, it is possible to intuitively and easily recognize the moving state of the moving objects.

[0027]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention applied to a navigation device for a vehicle (automobile), which is a typical moving object. .

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a vehicle-mounted navigation device with a communication function according to the first embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a display such as a liquid crystal display, and 23 denotes an input device including a key switch, various pointing devices, and the like. A ROM 24 stores a boot program and the like. Reference numeral 25 denotes a RAM for temporarily storing various processing results. Reference numeral 26 denotes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) for storing map information and programs for navigation. Reference numeral 27 denotes a communication interface (wireless transceiver) that communicates with a vehicle-mounted navigation device having a communication function having a similar device configuration via a communication line 30 such as the Internet. Reference numeral 28 denotes a GPS unit that detects a current position based on a GPS (global positioning system) signal received from outside. These components are connected via an internal bus 29, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 executes a display control process described later according to a control program stored in a storage device 26.

The control program is read out from a portable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM or read out from the outside via a communication line 30 even when the CPU 21 reads out a program pre-burned in the ROM 24 and executes the control program. The acquired information may be stored in the storage device 26 as appropriate, and read and executed.

In the present embodiment, the navigation device having the device configuration shown in FIG. 1 has position information (consisting of data items such as latitude, longitude, altitude, etc.) common to other vehicles equipped with a navigation device having a similar device configuration. In addition to acquiring the current position (location) information of the vehicle, the current position of the vehicle is detected by a general method using the GPS unit 28 and a gyro (not shown). Then, the symbols indicating the current positions of the own vehicle and the other vehicle can be displayed on the same map screen displayed on the display 22, and the display mode is characterized.

FIG. 7 is a view exemplifying a map screen displayed on the display 22 in the first embodiment.

The navigation device according to the present embodiment
Based on the current position information of the own vehicle and the other vehicles, the center of gravity of the location of the vehicle is calculated, and as shown in FIG. 7, a symbol representing the calculated center of gravity (x in FIG. 7).
And a symbol representing the plurality of vehicles (indicated by a black circle in the figure) on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the locations of the plurality of vehicles, on the map screen on which the center of gravity is to be displayed. The symbols are displayed in a display mode arranged at substantially the center (the symbol representing the center of gravity does not have to be displayed on the map screen).

Since the calculation method itself for calculating the center of gravity of the positions based on the position information of a plurality of positions may employ a general calculation procedure, detailed description in this embodiment will be omitted.

According to such a navigation device, the user can intuitively and easily recognize the moving conditions of the own vehicle and the other vehicles.

When the map screen is displayed, between the symbols representing the vehicles, each side of a polygon (triangle in FIG. 7) having the maximum area formed by the symbols is easily identified to the user by a display color such as red. Will be displayed on the
If only the symbol of each vehicle has sufficient visibility on the displayed map screen, each side connecting the symbols need not be displayed). In general, for human vision, on a map screen in which individual symbols representing a plurality of vehicles are scattered, the movement state of each vehicle (that is, which vehicle is moving in which direction and at what speed) is displayed. Although it is not easy to grasp at a glance, in the present embodiment, since the shape of the polygon formed by the symbols on the map screen changes continuously, the user can more intuitively understand the moving state of the vehicles. It can be easily and easily recognized.

Here, a procedure of a display control process performed by the navigation apparatus to display the map screen illustrated in FIG. 7 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a display control process performed by the navigation device in the first embodiment, and shows an operation procedure performed by a software program executed by the CPU 21.

Referring to FIG.
2: A mode (group running mode) in which the current positions of a plurality of predetermined vehicles are displayed on the same map screen is selected by the user by operating the input device 23 (step S).
1) In the case, while referring to the identification information of the plurality of vehicles forming a group registered in advance in the storage device 26 or the like, the current position information of other vehicles forming the group is acquired from the outside, and The current position of the vehicle is detected (step S2). Note that a general method can be employed for a method of detecting the current position of the own vehicle and a method of acquiring the current position of another vehicle via a communication line, and thus detailed description in this embodiment is omitted.

Step S3: Select a pattern shape (triangle in FIG. 7) having the largest area, which is a polygon formed by connecting a plurality of vehicles (moving bodies) forming the group with a straight line. ).

Step S4 to Step S6: Step S
The center of gravity (middle point) of the polygon selected in Step 3 is calculated based on a general geometric calculation formula (Step S4), and the same point corresponding to the area including the locations of the plurality of vehicles is calculated. The map screen is displayed on the display 22 together with the symbol of the current position of each vehicle such that the calculated center of gravity is located substantially at the center of the screen (step S5, step S5).
6). At this time, the scale of the map screen to be displayed is changed to a scale at which all the individual symbols can be displayed on the same map screen.

<Modification of the First Embodiment>
In the embodiment, a plurality of vehicles (own vehicle and other vehicles) are displayed on the same screen. For this reason, a map screen of a smaller scale is displayed so that the symbols of all the vehicles are displayed on the same map screen as the vehicles are scattered in a wider range, so that it is difficult for the user to see. There is also.

Therefore, in the present modification, even if all of the symbols cannot be displayed on the same map screen, display at a scale smaller than the predetermined scale is prohibited. Maintain the awareness of

However, even if all the individual symbols cannot be displayed on the same map screen on a map screen having a scale larger than the predetermined scale, too many symbols are displayed, for example, when a group is running. If the symbol of the vehicle is not displayed, it is not convenient.

Therefore, when there are a plurality of symbols that cannot be displayed on the map screen having a scale larger than the predetermined scale, in order to reduce the number of symbols that are not displayed to a number smaller than the predetermined number,
As the scale used for the map screen to be displayed, a scale smaller than the predetermined scale is selected. As a result, although the map screen has a scale smaller than the predetermined scale, the number of symbols that are not displayed on the screen can be made smaller than a predetermined number, so that the overall movement state of the own vehicle and the other vehicles cannot be recognized. That can be prevented.

It should be noted that the items described in this modification are applicable to the third, fifth and sixth embodiments described below, that is, when displaying a plurality of symbols indicating a plurality of vehicles and a common destination. Can be applied.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment based on the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the above-described first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will not be described repeatedly, and the description will focus on the characteristic portions of the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the navigation apparatus can display the location of the vehicle and the set destination for route guidance on the same map screen, and is characterized by its display mode. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to obtain position information from another vehicle via a communication line.

FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying a map screen displayed on the display 22 in the second embodiment.

The navigation device according to the present embodiment
A symbol indicating the current position of the vehicle (indicated by a circle in the figure),
In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, a symbol representing a destination (indicated by a triangle in the figure) is displayed on the same map screen corresponding to an area including the location of the vehicle and the destination. The symbol to be displayed is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen to be displayed. In this embodiment,
Since the symbol representing the destination is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen, the user can intuitively and easily recognize the approach status of the vehicle to the destination.

In the present embodiment, when the map screen is displayed, the symbols between the vehicle and the destination may be displayed in a display color such as red, for example, so that the user can easily identify them.

Here, a procedure of a display control process performed by the navigation device to display the map screen illustrated in FIG. 9 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a display control process performed by the navigation device in the second embodiment, and shows an operation procedure performed by a software program executed by the CPU 21.

In FIG. 3A, when the user selects the mode in which the destination is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen by the operation of the input device 23 in steps S11 to S13 (step S11), It is set so that the symbol of the destination is arranged substantially at the center of the display screen (step S12), and the current position of the own vehicle is detected (step S13).

Step S14: A map screen of a range including the current position of the own vehicle substantially at the center of the destination is displayed on the display 22 together with the symbols of the destination and the own vehicle. At this time, when the display position of the symbol indicating the vehicle is located at the end on the map screen, it is not easy for the user to see. Therefore, in such a case, the map screen to be displayed is automatically scrolled so that the display position of the symbol of the own vehicle shifts by a predetermined amount toward the center of the map screen. It is good to ensure the visibility of

In contrast to the display mode shown in FIG. 9, the symbol representing the current position may be displayed in a display mode (not shown) arranged substantially at the center of the map screen to be displayed. Is displayed in a wide range, which is suitable when visiting a nearby tourist spot or the like in the process of moving to the destination.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, when such a display mode is selected by the user (step S15), the symbol of the current position of the own vehicle detected in step S16 is displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG. (Step S17), and a map screen of a range including the destination with the current position substantially at the center may be displayed on the display 22 (step S18).

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment based on the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the above-described first and second embodiments will be described. In the following description, the same components as those of the first and second embodiments will not be described repeatedly, and will be described focusing on the characteristic portions of the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, when a plurality of vehicles are moving toward a common destination in, for example, group driving, the navigation device displays the destination and the current position of each vehicle on the same map screen. It can be displayed above, and has a feature in its display mode. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is necessary to obtain the current position information of the other vehicle via the communication line.

FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying a map screen displayed on the display 22 in the third embodiment.

The navigation device according to the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 10, the symbols representing the current positions of the own vehicle and the other vehicle (indicated by ● in FIG. 10) and the symbol representing the common destination (indicated by Δ in FIG. 10) are used as shown in FIG. On the same map screen corresponding to the area including the position and the destination, a symbol representing the destination is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen to be displayed. In the present embodiment, since the symbol representing the destination is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen, the user of each vehicle can intuitively and easily recognize the approach status of the own vehicle and other vehicles to the common destination. Can be.

In the present embodiment, when the map screen is displayed, the symbols between the symbols representing the own vehicle and other vehicles and the destination may be displayed in a display color such as red so as to be easily identified by the user. .

Here, the procedure of the display control process performed by the navigation device to display the map screen illustrated in FIG. 10 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a display control process performed by the navigation device in the third embodiment, and shows an operation procedure performed by a software program executed by the CPU 21.

In the figure, steps S21 to S23: a mode in which a common destination of a predetermined plurality of vehicles is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen is selected by the user by operating the input device 23 (step S21). In this case, the position information of the common destination of the group registered in advance in the storage device 26 or the like is read (step S2).
2) A setting is made so that the symbol of the destination is arranged substantially at the center of the display screen (step S23).

Steps S24 and S25: The current position information of the other vehicle in the group is obtained from the outside while detecting the current position of the own vehicle while referring to the identification information of the predetermined plurality of vehicles in the group. Then, a map screen of a range including the current position of the own vehicle and the other vehicle around the destination is displayed on the display 22 together with the symbol of the destination and the plurality of vehicles (step S25). At this time, the scale of the map screen to be displayed is changed to a scale at which all the individual symbols can be displayed on the same map screen.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment based on the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the above-described first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will not be described repeatedly, and the description will focus on the characteristic portions of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram exemplifying a map screen displayed on the display 22 in the fourth embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the navigation device displays the location of the own vehicle and the set destination of the route guidance on the same map screen, and also displays a symbol indicating the own vehicle (indicated by a black circle in the figure). And a symbol indicating a destination (indicated by a triangle in the figure) are displayed on the same map screen, and the symbol of the middle point of the two places (indicated by a cross in the figure) is displayed in a display mode in which the symbol is approximately at the center of the map screen. indicate. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to obtain position information from another vehicle via a communication line. According to this display mode, it is possible to display the location of the vehicle and the destination in a well-balanced manner around the calculated midpoint.

In displaying the map screen, the symbols between the vehicle and the destination are displayed in a display color such as red, for example, so that the user can easily identify them.

Here, the procedure of the display control process performed by the navigation device to display the map screen illustrated in FIG. 11 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a display control process performed by the navigation device in the fourth embodiment, and shows an operation procedure performed by a software program executed by the CPU 21.

In the figure, steps S31 to S33: a mode in which the midpoint between the current position of the host vehicle and the destination is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen is selected by the user by operating the input device 23 ( In step S31), the current position of the vehicle is detected (step S32),
The position information of the destination registered in advance in the storage device 26 or the like is read (step S33).

Steps S34 and S35: The vehicle and the destination are connected by a straight line (step S34), and the midpoint of the straight line is calculated by a general method (step S35).

Steps S36 and S37: The midpoint symbol calculated in step S35 is set so as to be arranged substantially at the center of the display screen (step S36), and a map of a range including the destination and the current position of the host vehicle is set. The screen is displayed on the display 22 together with the symbols of the destination, the host vehicle, and the midpoint (step S37). At this time, the scale of the map screen to be displayed is changed to a scale at which all the individual symbols can be displayed on the same map screen.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment based on the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the above-described first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will not be described repeatedly, and the description will focus on the characteristic portions of the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, when a plurality of vehicles are moving toward a common destination in, for example, group driving, the navigation device displays the destination and the current position of each vehicle on the same map screen. It can be displayed above, and has a feature in its display mode. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is necessary to obtain the current position information of the other vehicle via the communication line.

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying a map screen displayed on the display 22 in the fifth embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the navigation apparatus calculates the center of gravity of each position based on the position information of the own vehicle and the other vehicle and the position information of the common destination, and exemplifies the calculation in FIG. As described above, the symbol representing the calculated center of gravity (indicated by x in the figure), the symbol representing the plurality of vehicles (indicated by ● in the figure), and the symbol representing the destination (indicated by Δ in the figure) are represented by the plurality of vehicles. Is displayed on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the current position and the destination in a display mode in which the center of gravity is substantially at the center of the map screen (the symbol representing the center of gravity is displayed on the map screen). It does not have to be displayed above).

According to this display mode, the calculated center of gravity is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen, so that the user can intuitively and easily recognize the moving state of each vehicle and the positional relationship of the destination. be able to.

Here, a procedure of a display control process performed by the navigation device to display the map screen illustrated in FIG. 12 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a display control process performed by the navigation device in the fifth embodiment, and shows an operation procedure performed by a software program executed by the CPU 21.

In the figure, steps S41 to S43: the center of gravity of the current position of the own vehicle and the other vehicle and the common destination of those vehicles is displayed substantially at the center of the map screen by operating the input device 23. When the mode is selected by the user (step S41), referring to the identification information or the like of the predetermined plurality of vehicles forming a group registered in advance in the storage device 26 or the like, the other vehicles forming the group are referred to. The current position information is acquired from the outside and the current position of the vehicle is detected (step S42), and the position information of the common destination registered in advance in the storage device 26 or the like is read (step S43).

Step S44: A polygon formed by connecting a plurality of vehicles (moving bodies) forming the group with a straight line, and a pattern shape having the largest area (FIG. 1)
2 is selected (see FIG. 8).

Steps S45 to S47: The center of gravity (middle point) of the polygon selected in step S44 is calculated based on a general geometric formula (step S4).
5) The same map screen corresponding to the area including the locations of the plurality of vehicles is arranged such that the calculated center of gravity is located substantially at the center of the screen, so that the symbol of the current position of each vehicle and the destination are displayed. Are displayed on the display 22 together with the symbol (step S46, step S47). At this time, the scale of the map screen to be displayed is changed to a scale at which all the individual symbols can be displayed on the same map screen.

<Modification of Fifth Embodiment> The fifth embodiment described above
In the embodiment, the center of gravity is displayed substantially at the center of the screen regardless of the display position of the destination symbol on the displayed map screen. In such a display mode, the symbol of the destination is located at one end of the polygon in the polygon having the maximum area formed by the current position of the destination, the own vehicle, and the other vehicle, as in a map screen illustrated in FIG. However, if it is included inside the displayed polygon, the symbol of the destination becomes difficult for the user to see.

Therefore, in this modified example, in the polygon having the maximum area formed by the current position of the destination, the own vehicle and the other vehicle,
If the destination is located at one end of the polygon,
The symbol representing the center of gravity is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen to be displayed (the symbol representing the center of gravity does not have to be displayed on the map screen).

When the destination is included in the polygon having the maximum area defined by the current positions of the own vehicle and the other vehicles, the destination is determined as described in the third embodiment. The symbol to be displayed is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen to be displayed.

According to this modified example, when a plurality of vehicles are moving toward a common destination during group running or the like, the symbol indicating the destination is easily recognized by the user (that is, the position indicating the destination). , At one end of the calculated polygon or at the center of the screen), so that the user can easily recognize the proximity of each vehicle to the destination.

[Sixth Embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment based on the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the above-described fifth embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will not be described repeatedly, and the description will focus on the characteristic portions of the present embodiment.

In the conventional navigation device, the display mode of the map screen displayed on the display of the vehicle is as follows.
A north-up display mode in which the north is always directed upwards regardless of the traveling direction of the own vehicle, and a heading-up display mode in which the traveling direction of the own vehicle is directed upward in the display screen are adopted. Generally, for example, when the navigation device is activated, any of the display modes is configured to be selectable by the user.

[0092] Of these two types of display modes, the heading up is a display mode that matches the feeling of the user (driver). In this case, when the own vehicle travels on a continuous mountain road that bends with a loop bridge or a winding road. , The map screen also rotates as the traveling direction of the vehicle changes,
This will cause discomfort to the user.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in addition to the display control processing described with reference to FIG. 6, the switching processing shown in FIG. 13 is also performed to prevent the user from having such discomfort beforehand. I do.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a display mode switching process according to the sixth embodiment.
The operation procedure performed by the software program executed at 21 is shown.

When the map screen is displayed with the heading up as in the fifth embodiment (FIG. 12),
The GPS unit 2 reports that the vehicle has entered the loop bridge, etc.
8 and the map information stored in the storage device 26 (step S51), it is determined whether the acceleration (lateral acceleration) detected by a gyro (not shown) or the like has become larger than a predetermined reference value. Judgment (Step S5
2) If the detected acceleration is smaller than the predetermined reference value, the display mode of heading up is continued (step S53).

On the other hand, when the acceleration detected in step S52 is larger than the predetermined reference value, the heading-up display mode is prohibited until the detected acceleration becomes smaller than the predetermined reference value again (step S54, step S54). S55). When it is determined in step S55 that the acceleration is smaller than the reference value,
The latest current position and traveling direction are calculated, and the heading-up display mode is restarted based on the calculated values (step S57).

Here, as the display mode of the map screen when the heading-up display mode is prohibited, for example, the map screen at the timing when the heading-up display mode is prohibited in step S54 is continuously displayed. A method or a method in which the center of gravity calculated in step S45 of FIG. 6 is displayed in a display mode arranged above the symbol representing the vehicle may be adopted.

The switching process of the display mode in the sixth embodiment may be adopted in each of the above-described first to fourth embodiments. In this case, similarly to this embodiment, the map being displayed is displayed. The user's discomfort due to the screen rotating in a short time can be prevented.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the moving object position display device according to the present invention is applied to a navigation device of a vehicle (automobile). Communication was performed, but the present invention is not limited to this system configuration. The mobile object position display device may be replaced with a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a positioning function.
Or an information processing device such as a mobile phone, and may be used to display the positions of a plurality of moving objects (including humans) carrying such an information processing device.

Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where each vehicle is mounted with the moving object position display device according to the present invention and the vehicle runs in a group has been described as an example. When applied to the operation management system, the operation manager can use the map screen in each of the display modes described above on the desk to easily grasp the status of the vehicles to be managed and improve the efficiency of work. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a vehicle-mounted navigation device with a communication function according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process performed by the navigation device in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process performed by a navigation device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process performed by a navigation device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process performed by a navigation device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process performed by a navigation device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a map screen displayed on a display 22 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of selecting a polygonal pattern shape to be displayed on a map screen in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying a map screen displayed on a display 22 in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying a map screen displayed on a display 22 in a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a map screen displayed on a display 22 in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying a map screen displayed on a display 22 in a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a display mode switching process according to a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 21: CPU, 22: display, 23: input device, 24: ROM, 25: RAM, 26: storage device, 27: communication interface, 28: GPS unit, 29: internal bus, 30: communication line,

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A moving object position display device for displaying the positions of a plurality of moving objects on the same map screen, wherein a center of gravity of the positions of the moving objects is determined based on position information of the plurality of moving objects. The points are calculated, and on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the locations of the plurality of moving objects, a symbol representing the plurality of moving objects is set such that the calculated center of gravity is substantially at the center of the map screen. A moving object position display device comprising: display control means for displaying in an arranged display mode. 2. A moving object position display device for displaying a position and a destination of at least one moving object on a same map screen, wherein the position information of the moving object, the position information of the destination, Calculating the center of gravity of the location of the moving object and the destination based on the same, on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the location of the moving object and the destination,
A moving object position, comprising: display control means for displaying the symbol representing the moving object and the symbol representing the destination in a display mode in which the calculated center of gravity is arranged substantially at the center of the map screen. Display device. 3. A moving object position display device for displaying a position and a destination of at least one moving object on a same map screen, wherein a symbol representing the moving object and a symbol representing the destination are displayed. On the same map screen corresponding to an area including the location of the mobile object and the destination, in a display mode in which a symbol representing the destination is arranged substantially at the center of the map screen. A moving object position display device comprising control means. 4. When a common destination is set for the plurality of mobile units, the display control unit determines each of the plurality of mobile units based on the position information of the plurality of mobile units and the position information of the destination. While calculating the center of gravity of the position, on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the location of the plurality of moving objects and the destination, a symbol representing the plurality of moving objects, and the destination The mobile object position display device according to claim 1, wherein the symbol to be displayed is displayed in a display mode in which the calculated center of gravity is disposed substantially at the center of the map screen. 5. The moving object according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of moving objects are provided, and the display control means displays individual symbols of the plurality of moving objects on the map screen. The moving object position display device according to the above. 6. The display control means changes a scale of a map screen to be displayed so as to display all of the individual symbols on the same map screen, and displays all the symbols on the same map screen. Even if you ca n’t see it in
6. The moving object position display device according to claim 1, wherein display at a scale smaller than a predetermined scale is prohibited. 7. The display control means, if the individual symbols cannot all be displayed on the same map screen on a map screen with a scale larger than the predetermined scale, removes the symbols that are not displayed among the individual symbols. 7. The moving object position display device according to claim 6, wherein a scale smaller than the predetermined scale is selected as a scale of the map screen to be displayed so as to be smaller than a predetermined number. 8. The moving object position display device is a display device mounted on or carried by the own moving object, wherein the display control means displays a symbol representing a position of the own moving object. When the display position of the symbol is located at the end on the map screen, the map screen to be displayed is scrolled so that the display position of the symbol is shifted by a predetermined amount toward the center of the map screen. The mobile object position display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 9. When the moving object position display device is a display device mounted on or carried by the own moving object, the display control means sets the moving direction of the own moving object when displaying the map screen. The mobile object position display device according to claim 1, wherein a display mode of a heading-up facing upward on the map screen is prohibited. 10. A display mode in which the display control means prohibits the heading-up display mode when displaying the map screen, and wherein the center of gravity is located above a symbol representing the self-moving object. The moving object position display device according to claim 9, wherein the moving object position is displayed. 11. The display control means, wherein, when the destination is located at one end of a polygon having a maximum area formed by the destination and the location of the plurality of moving objects, the center of gravity is determined. A point is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen, and when the destination is included in a polygon having a maximum area formed by the locations of the plurality of moving objects, the destination is displayed. The mobile object position display device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a symbol representing the symbol is displayed in a display mode arranged substantially at the center of the map screen. 12. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein, when displaying said individual symbols, each side of a polygon having a maximum area formed by said symbols is identifiably displayed. The mobile object position display device according to claim 11. 13. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein when displaying the map screen, a symbol representing the center of gravity is displayed at a position corresponding to the center of gravity. Moving object position display device. 14. A moving object position display method for displaying the positions of a plurality of moving objects on the same map screen, wherein the center of gravity of the positions of the moving objects is determined based on the position information of the plurality of moving objects. The points are calculated, and on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the locations of the plurality of moving objects, the symbol representing the plurality of moving objects is set such that the calculated center of gravity is substantially at the center of the map screen. A method for displaying a position of a moving object, comprising: a display control step of displaying in an arranged display mode. 15. A method for displaying a location of at least one moving object and its destination on the same map screen, wherein the position information of the moving object, the position information of the destination, Calculating the center of gravity between the location of the mobile unit and the destination based on the same, on the same map screen corresponding to the area including the location of the mobile unit and the destination,
A moving object position characterized by having a display control step of displaying the symbol representing the moving object and the symbol representing the destination in a display mode in which the calculated center of gravity is arranged substantially at the center of the map screen. Display method. 16. A method for displaying a location of at least one moving object and its destination on the same map screen, wherein the symbol representing the moving object and the symbol representing the destination are displayed. On the same map screen corresponding to an area including the location of the mobile unit and the destination, in a display mode in which a symbol representing the destination is arranged substantially at the center of the map screen. A moving object position display method comprising a control step. 17. A computer program for instructing the operation of the mobile object position display device according to claim 1. Description: 18. A computer program for performing an operation instruction for realizing the moving object position display method according to claim 14. Description: