JP3389148B2 - Navigation device and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device and a storage medium for determining whether or not traffic regulation information has been stored and performing route guidance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In conventional navigation devices,
Road data for route guidance and road data for display are stored separately, road data for route guidance is used for route search and route guidance, and road data for display is used for map display. It was The road data for route guidance stores traffic regulation information for each road section (prohibition of right / left turn, prohibition of entry, etc.) and recommended route search cost data such as distance and time. There is a part of the traffic regulation information that is not investigated in the narrow street data such as
It was not included in the road data for route guidance. Therefore, as for narrow streets, there are many roads that are displayed as a map but are not targeted for route guidance.

[0003]

As described above, in the conventional navigation device, the narrow streets are only displayed as a map and are not the object of route guidance. Therefore, particularly in an area with many narrow streets such as an urban area, It is difficult to provide detailed guidance information from the departure place or destination to the route to be guided, or from the route to be guided to the destination, because the set destination or destination is far from the guidance target road. It is expected that the traffic regulation information will be expanded in the narrow street data in the future, but it is difficult to distinguish them when the narrow street data has the traffic regulation information and the traffic regulation information does not.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. By attaching a flag indicating whether or not traffic regulation information has been stored to road data, the route to be guided and the reference route can be accurately distinguished and recognized. The purpose is to be able to.

[0005]

A navigation device of the present invention comprises a current position detecting means for detecting the current position of a vehicle, an input means for inputting information necessary for searching a destination or a route, and route guidance. An informing means for informing information, an information storage means for storing data necessary for route search including road data with a traffic regulation flag indicating whether or not the traffic regulation information has been stored, and the input means. The traffic regulation information is referred by referring to the route search means for searching a route to the destination based on the input information and the data stored in the information storage means, and the traffic regulation flag of each road data in the searched route. Determination means for determining whether or not has been stored, and whether or not the traffic regulation information has been stored for each road in the route searched based on the determination result of the determination means. And a control means for outputting guidance information to the notification means by differentiating the traffic control information, the control means outputs guidance information for route guidance for roads in which traffic regulation information has been stored, and does not store traffic regulation information. Regarding roads, only the display information of the route is output as a reference route. Further, the storage medium of the present invention includes a step of detecting the current position of the vehicle, a step of searching for a route to a destination based on the input information and the stored data,
A step of determining whether or not the traffic regulation information is stored by referring to the traffic regulation flag of each road data in the searched route, for each road in the route searched based on the determination result of the step Depending on whether or not the traffic regulation information has been stored, the mode of guidance will be different. Route guidance information will be output for roads for which traffic regulation information has been stored, and reference routes for roads for which traffic regulation information has not been stored. Is stored as a program including a step of outputting only display information of the route.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a navigation device of the present invention. Input device 1 for inputting information about route guidance, current position detecting device 2 for detecting information about current position of own vehicle, navigation data necessary for route calculation, display / voice guidance data and program necessary for route guidance (Application and / or O
S) and the like are stored in the information storage device 3, route search processing and display / voice guidance processing required for route guidance, central processing unit 4 that controls the entire system, and information related to vehicle travel, such as roads. The information transmission / reception device 5 transmits / receives information and traffic information, detects information regarding the current position of the vehicle, and further transmits / receives information regarding the current position, and an output device 6 that outputs information regarding route guidance. .

The input device 1 has a function of inputting a destination and instructing the central processing unit 4 to perform navigation processing according to the driver's intention. As a means for realizing the function, a touch switch or a remote controller such as a jog dial for inputting a destination by a telephone number or coordinates on a map or requesting route guidance can be used. Further, the present invention is provided with a device for carrying out a dialogue by voice input, and functions as a voice input device. Further, a recording card reading device for reading the data recorded on the IC card or the magnetic card can be added. In addition, an information center that stores data necessary for navigation and provides information via communication lines at the driver's request, and a portable type that has data such as map data, destination data, simple maps, and building shape maps It is also possible to add a data communication device for exchanging data with an information source such as an electronic device.

The present position detecting device 2 obtains the present position information of the vehicle by utilizing the satellite navigation system (GPS), and the absolute direction for detecting the traveling direction of the vehicle in the absolute direction by utilizing, for example, geomagnetism. A sensor, a relative azimuth sensor that detects the traveling azimuth of the vehicle in a relative azimuth by using, for example, a steering sensor or a gyro sensor,
For example, it is composed of a distance sensor or the like that detects the traveling distance of the vehicle from the rotational speed of the wheels.

The information storage device 3 is an external storage device that stores a navigation program and data, and is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM. The program is a program for performing processing such as route search, a processing program shown in the flowchart of this embodiment, display output control necessary for route guidance, a program for interactively guiding by voice input, and a program required for it. Various data, a program for performing voice output control necessary for voice guidance, and data required for it are stored. The stored data consists of files such as map data, search data, guidance data, map matching data, destination data, registration point data, road data, genre data, landmark data, etc. The data of is stored. The present invention is a CD-R.
The data can be stored in the OM only, and the program can be applied to the type in which the program is stored in the central processing unit.

The central processing unit 4 has a CPU for executing various arithmetic processes, a flash memory for reading and storing a program from a CD-ROM of the information storage device 3, a program for checking and updating the program of the flash memory (a program read). Means), the set point coordinates of the destination, the road name code No. It is composed of a RAM for temporarily storing the route guidance information searched for and the like, and the data being processed. Further, although not shown in the drawings, other than this, dialogue processing by voice input from the input device 1 is performed, and voice, phrase, or one read out from the information storage device 3 based on a voice output control signal from the CPU A voice processor for synthesizing collected sentences, sounds, etc., and converting the analog signals to output to a speaker, a communication interface for exchanging input / output data by communication, and a sensor input interface for taking in sensor signals of the current position detection device 2. , Equipped with a clock for entering date and time in the internal diagnostic information. The program for performing the above-mentioned update processing may be stored in an external storage device.

The programs according to the present invention and other programs for executing navigation may be stored in a CD-ROM which is an external storage medium, or some or all of these programs are stored in the ROM 42 on the main body side. May be. Various navigation functions are realized by inputting data and programs stored in the external storage medium as external signals to the central processing unit of the navigation apparatus body and performing arithmetic processing.

The navigation device of the present invention stores a relatively large-capacity flash memory for reading a program from the CD-ROM of the external storage device as described above, and a program (program reading means) for performing the CD startup process. Built-in small capacity ROM. The flash memory is a non-volatile storage means that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. Then, as the CD startup processing, the program in the ROM, which is the program reading means, is activated to check the program stored in the flash memory, and the CD-ROM of the information storage device 3 is executed.
Read the disk management information, etc. The program loading process (update process) is performed by judging from this information and the state of the flash memory.

The information transmitting / receiving device 5 is a GPS receiving device for obtaining information by utilizing a satellite navigation system (GPS),
By using a VICS information receiving device, a mobile phone, a personal computer, etc. for obtaining information by using FM multiplex broadcasting, radio beacons, optical beacons, etc., information can be exchanged bidirectionally with an information center (for example, ATIS) or another vehicle. And a data transmission / reception device for communicating with each other.

The output device 6 has a function of outputting guidance information by voice and / or a screen when the driver needs it, and a function of printing out the data processed by the central processing unit 4 for navigation. As means for that purpose, a display for displaying the input data on the screen, a display for displaying the route guidance screen, a printer for printing out the data processed by the central processing unit 4 or the data stored in the information storage device 3, and the route guidance by voice. It is equipped with a speaker for output.

The display is composed of a simple liquid crystal display or the like, and has an enlarged view of an intersection based on map data and guidance data processed by the central processing unit 4, destination name, time, distance, heading arrow, person The image of the converted character is displayed. Since the image data sent to the display is binary image data (bitmap data), a communication line used for serial communication or the like is used instead of a dedicated image signal line. It can also be used as a communication line. The display is provided with a memory that temporarily holds bitmap data.

This display is provided in the instrument panel near the driver's seat, and the driver can confirm the current position of the vehicle and can obtain information on the route from now on by looking at it. . Also,
Although illustration is omitted, a tablet including a touch panel, a touch screen, etc. on the display screen of the display is used,
It may be configured such that point input, road input, etc. can be performed by touching or tracing the screen.

To explain the overall flow of the system of the navigation device of the present invention, when the program is read from the information storage device 3 into the central processing unit 4 and the route guidance program is started, the current position detection device 2 is used to detect the current position. Is detected to display a map around the current position and the name of the current position. Next, a destination is set using a target name such as a place name or a facility name, a telephone number or an address, a registration point, a road name, etc., and a route search from the current position to the destination is performed. When the route is determined, the current position detection device 2
While tracking the current position by, the route guidance and display are repeated until the vehicle arrives at the destination. When the detour setting is input before reaching the destination, the search area is set, the search is performed again in the search area, and the route guidance is repeated until the destination is reached.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the road data structure of the present invention. In this example, in addition to the road data, the coordinate information consisting of the node sequence representing the shape and the position information, the link information indicating the connection relationship between the roads, and the traffic regulation information have been surveyed and stored (traffic regulation). It also includes a case where there is no) or a traffic regulation flag indicating whether it has not been stored due to being uninvestigated. That is,
The road data 1 has a traffic control flag, and stores traffic control information such as entry prohibition, right / left turn prohibition, and time zone suspension of traffic. Road data 2 has no traffic regulation flag and traffic regulation information has not been stored yet. The road data 3 has a traffic regulation flag, which indicates that the traffic regulation information has been investigated but there is no traffic regulation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the road data structure. In this example, a traffic regulation flag is attached to each road data, and if there is traffic regulation information with traffic regulation flag, a number indicating the content is attached, and the traffic regulation information management data is separately stored as a common table. It is a thing. For example, with respect to road data having a traffic regulation flag and having traffic regulation information, the traffic regulation information management data is referred to, and traffic contents such as entry prohibition, right / left prohibition, and time zone traffic stop are recognized from the number. In this way, by storing the traffic regulation contents as a common table, it is possible to reduce the amount of road data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the searched route. A route search is performed using the road data shown in FIG. 2 or 3. When searching for a route, the road data string of the searched route is extracted regardless of whether or not the traffic regulation information is stored. For each road data of the extracted road data string, refer to the traffic regulation flag, and the road with the traffic regulation flag is the route guidance target road that includes voice guidance. If there is no traffic regulation flag, the route guidance is not used as the reference route. .

In FIG. 4, the route from the start (S) to the destination (G) is a searched route, the dotted line portion is a road without a traffic regulation flag (a portion not yet investigated for traffic regulation information), and the solid line portion is This is a road with a traffic regulation flag (a portion that has been stored after the survey on the traffic regulation information has been completed).
The dotted line portion without the traffic regulation flag is merely displayed as a reference route, and the solid line portion with the traffic regulation flag performs route guidance including voice guidance. Here, the absence of the traffic regulation flag indicates a portion of the road, such as a narrow street or a new road, which has not been thoroughly investigated for the presence or absence of traffic regulation information. In addition, as the identification display of the route guidance target road and the road not subject to the route guidance, as shown in the figure, in addition to the solid line and the dotted line, red display, green display, etc., or the thickness of the displayed line is changed. , Flushing, etc.
This is performed by appropriately changing the display mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a route guidance processing flow according to the present invention. Enter the destination and passing points (S1),
The system searches for road data (S2), performs a route search (S3), and extracts a route road data string (S4). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a traffic regulation information flag for the road data 1 (S5, S6), if the traffic regulation flag exists, it is set as a route guidance target road (S7), and if there is no traffic regulation flag, there is no route guidance. Set as road (S
8). This process is performed for all the searched road data strings (S9, S10), and when all are completed, the route guidance target road is displayed by a solid line and the route guidance no road is displayed by a dotted line (S).
11). Then, the current position is detected (S12) and route guidance is performed (S13).

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, the route display is performed even when the place of departure or the destination is, for example, a narrow street, and the traffic regulation information has not been surveyed and stored. By doing so, it becomes possible to prompt the user to travel with reference to the displayed route. In addition, since the road that is the route guidance target and the road that is not the target are displayed in different manners in a distinguishable manner, the user can accurately distinguish and recognize the guidance route and the reference route.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle navigation device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a road data structure of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of a road data structure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a searched route.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a route guidance processing flow according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Input device, 2 ... Present position detection device, 3 ... Information storage device, 4 ... Central processing unit, 5 ... Information transmission / reception device, 6 ... Output device.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (73) Patent holder 000005821 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka (72) Mamoru Kainuma 10 Takane, Fujii-cho, Anjo-shi, Aichi Aisin AW shares Company (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Toyama 10 Takane, Fujii-cho, Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture Aisin AW Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hidenobu Suzuki, No. 1, Toyota-cho, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (72 ) Inventor Hironobu Sugimoto 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Corporation (72) Inventor Hidetoshi Fujimoto 1-1, Showamachi, Kariya City Aichi Prefecture Denso Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Takeuchi Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 1-22 Gosho-dori, Hyogo-ku, Higashi-City Fujitsu Ten Limited (72) Inventor Jun Ichimura Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Toshodori 1-228 Fujitsu Ten Limited (72) Inventor Isao Ogawa 4-3-1, Tsunashima-higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) Reference JP 10- 227650 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01C 21/00-21/36 G08G 1/09-1/0969 G09B 29/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A current position detecting means for detecting a current position of a vehicle, an input means for inputting information necessary for searching a destination or a route, a notifying means for notifying route guidance information, and traffic regulation information. Information storage means that stores data necessary for route search including road data with a traffic regulation flag indicating whether or not has been stored; information input by the input means and the information storage means. Determine whether or not traffic regulation information has been stored by referring to the route search means that searches for the route to the destination based on the retrieved data and the traffic regulation flag of each road data in the searched route The guidance unit outputs the guidance information to the notification unit by differentiating the mode of guidance depending on whether the traffic regulation information has been stored for each road in the route searched based on the determination result of the determination unit. And a traffic control information,
Outputs route guidance information for stored roads,
For roads for which traffic regulation information has not been stored,
The navigation device is characterized in that only the display information of the route is output . 2. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the reference route for which the traffic regulation information has not been stored is displayed in a mode different from that of the road on which the route is to be guided. 3. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance information of the road to guide the route includes voice information. 4. A step of detecting a current position of a vehicle, a step of searching for a route to a destination based on input information and stored data, and a traffic regulation flag of each road data in the searched route. Referring to a step of determining whether or not the traffic regulation information has been stored, a guide is provided depending on whether or not the traffic regulation information has been stored for each road in the route searched based on the determination result of the step. Roads in which traffic regulation information is stored in different modes
About, the route guidance information is output, and the traffic regulation information
For roads that have not been stored, refer to the route table as a reference route.
A storage medium storing a program including a step of outputting only the display information .