JP4457970B2 - Navigation device and map display control program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of in-vehicle navigation devices, and in particular, a map of an in-vehicle navigation device provided with automatic scale changing means for changing the scale of a map showing a guide route displayed on the screen of a display device. It relates to display technology.

  In a general vehicle-mounted navigation device, a map (two-dimensional display is common, but there is also a more visual three-dimensional display) displayed on a screen of a display device such as a liquid crystal or a CRT. While displaying the current point and the destination point input by the user by voice or digitizer, the route guidance to the destination point is given from both the visual and auditory sides with voice.

  If the destination is far from the current location, the current location and the destination location will be displayed simultaneously on a wide-area map (= enlarged scale) to show a rough route, or a more detailed map when approaching an intersection to bend Some have a function of displaying the guidance route in an easy-to-understand manner by switching the scale to (= reduction scale) and displaying the route near the current point. It should be noted that important points that should be surely guided during navigation, such as intersections that should be turned next, important landmarks, and other dangerous points that require warning, are called maneuver points. Collectively referred to as point.

  By the way, as a technique relating to means for changing (switching) the scale of the map displayed on the display device in the navigation device, a technology having some features has already been disclosed as publicly known literature.

  In the following [Patent Document 1], the vehicle turns right or left for the purpose of automatically changing the display scale of the map in response to a change in the current location of the vehicle and providing appropriate navigation information to the driver. The technology of the function to display the map in detail is shown at the scale where the vehicle position and the intersection are within the screen when approaching the intersection to be performed.

  [Patent Document 2] below describes a technique of a function that allows a map to be displayed in a wide area at a scale in which a start point and a destination point are included in the screen at the same time, and a route to be further selected on the screen.

  Further, in [Patent Document 3] below, the user selects a target point from a list of points in the route to the destination point, and the scale is such that the vehicle position and the range to the destination point are always included in the screen. The technology of the function which displays and displays a map in detail automatically by approaching is shown.

JP 07-332993 A

JP 2001-74481 A JP 2002-148058 A

  In the technology of the navigation device described in the above [Patent Document 1], when the destination point to be guided exists far away and the route is almost straight and continues for a while, the route cannot be grasped by the wide area display of the own vehicle.

  In the technology of the navigation device described in the above [Patent Document 2], it is a display function at a reduced scale in which the departure point and the destination point are within the screen, and detailed display at a guide point such as a target right turn / left turn point. And wide area display is not made.

  In the technology of the navigation device described in the above [Patent Document 3], it is an automatic scale changing function of a display map for a specific point selected by the user, and detailed display and wide area display at a guide point such as right / left turn are performed. Not done.

  In addition, in the conventional automatic scale changing means including Patent Documents 1 to 3, a map of a certain scale displayed on the screen is instantaneously moved to a map of a different scale (from a wide area map to a detailed map or vice versa). It is difficult to grasp the degree of scale change visually, and there is a sense of incongruity such as “I suddenly switched from a detailed map to a wide-area map as soon as I turned the intersection” .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and at the time of route guidance, for example, a detailed display including a current point and a next guide point, or a wide area display indicating where the next right / left turn point is a guide point. So that the guide route to the next guide point is completely and easily grasped, and the map of the scale value to be changed is not instantaneously switched and displayed, but a time interval is left to the map of the scale to be changed. By gradually increasing (decreasing) the scale value step by step, you can zoom in on the animation effect (change the scale of the displayed map by changing the scale value in steps and zooming in. Navigation that can visually recognize whether it has been (zoomed) as well as a visual effect that provides a comfortable and dynamic feeling.) And to provide a Shon device.

The present invention
(1) Based on the map data stored in the database 5, a part of the guide route that is displayed on the screen of the display device 6, includes the current location A, and reaches the destination location X from the current location A In addition, in a navigation device comprising automatic scale changing means 15 for changing the scale of a map that automatically moves in conjunction with the position of the current location A ,
The automatic scale changing means 15 is
The current point A passes through one guide point displayed on the screen among the plurality of guide points set on the guide route, or the current point A enters a predetermined detailed display determination frame F2. a guidance point determining unit 11 that the next guidance point B it is determined whether in or outside the detailed display determination frame F2 of a predetermined wide area display determination frame F1 on the screen when the,
An appropriate scale calculating means 12 for calculating a maximum scale value of a map in which the current point A and the next guide point B are within the screen according to the determination result of the guide point determining means 11;
A predetermined number of intermediate scales between the screen display scale value 1 / Na of the current map displayed on the screen and the calculated scale value 1 / Nb (1 / Nc) calculated by the appropriate scale calculation means 12. Intermediate scale value setting means 13 for setting the values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,.
The map based on the map data is displayed at a predetermined time interval τ in order of reduction or enlargement at the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Until the calculated scale value 1 / Nb is obtained. Scale sequential switching means 14 for drawing and displaying on the screen of the apparatus 6;
The above-mentioned problem is solved by providing a navigation device 20 characterized by comprising:
(2) The screen display scale sequential switching unit 14 in the automatic scale changing unit 15 temporarily stores map data for one screen to be displayed on the display device 6 read from the database 5. On the screen of the display device 6 according to the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Controlling the second storage means M1, M2 and the first and second storage means M1, M2 Drawing automatic switching means 17 for switching the drawing of
When the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Are set, the drawing automatic switching means 17 sets the map data D1 having the intermediate scale value closest to the current screen display scale value 1 / Na to the first scale value. The map data D1 written in the storage means M1, the map data D1 written in the first storage means M1 is read out and drawn on the screen of the display device 6, and the map data D2 of the second scale value that becomes the next screen is displayed in the first. 2 is stored in the second storage means M2, and the display target is switched after a lapse of a predetermined time τ from the start of drawing the map data D1 written in the first storage means M1, and the second scale map data D2 is stored in the second storage means M1. starts the drawing on the screen is read out from the storage means M2, the write map data D3 of the third scale values as a next following picture in the first storage means M1, thereafter, calculates the scale value 1 / to b of the map data is depicted on the screen, while writing alternately map data Dx of next screen sequentially in the first and second storage means M1, M2, the screen of the display device 6 in the writing order The above problem is solved by providing the navigation device 20 according to (1) above, wherein the map data to be displayed is switched and drawn at a predetermined time interval τ.
(3) A computer is displayed on the screen of the display device 6 based on the map data stored in the database 5 and includes a part of the guide route that includes the current point A and reaches the destination point X from the current point A. In the map display control program for the navigation device 20 that functions as the automatic scale changing means 15 that partially changes and further changes the scale of the map that moves automatically in conjunction with the position of the current location A ,
The computer,
The current point A passes through one guide point displayed on the screen among the plurality of guide points set on the guide route, or the current point A enters a predetermined detailed display determination frame F2. a guidance point determining unit 11 that the next guidance point B it is determined whether in or outside the detailed display determination frame F2 of a predetermined wide area display determination frame F1 on the screen when the,
An appropriate scale calculating means 12 for calculating a maximum scale value of a map in which the current point A and the next guide point B are within the screen according to the determination result of the guide point determining means 11;
A predetermined number of intermediate scale values 1 / N1 between the screen display scale value 1 / Na of the current map displayed on the screen and the calculated scale value 1 / Nb calculated by the appropriate scale calculating means 12; Intermediate scale value setting means 13 for setting 1 / N2,.
The map based on the map data is displayed at a predetermined time interval τ in order of reduction or enlargement at the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Until the calculated scale value 1 / Nb is obtained. Scale sequential switching means 14 for drawing and displaying on the screen of the apparatus 6;
The above problem is solved by providing a map display control program for functioning as the automatic scale changing means 15 including
(4) In the map display control program according to (3),
The scale sequential switching means 14 temporarily stores first and second map data D1, D2,... Dx,... For one screen to be displayed on the display device 6 read from the database 5. A computer having a drawing automatic switching means 17 for controlling the storage means M1, M2 and switching the drawing on the screen of the display device 6 according to the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,. Is realized,
When the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Are set, the drawing automatic switching means 17 sets the map data D1 having the intermediate scale value closest to the current screen display scale value 1 / Na to the first scale value. The map data D1 written in the storage means M1, the map data D1 written in the first storage means M1 is read out and drawn on the screen of the display device 6, and the map data D2 of the second scale value that becomes the next screen is displayed in the first. 2 is stored in the second storage means M2, and the display object is switched after a predetermined time τ has elapsed from the start of drawing the map data D1 written in the first storage means M1, and the map data D2 of the next screen of the second scale value is stored in the map data D2. starts the drawing on the screen is read from the second storage means M2, the write map data D3 of the third scale values as a next following picture in the first storage means M1, thereafter, calculates contraction Until the map data values 1 / Nb is depicted on the screen, while writing alternately map the data Dx sequentially the first and second storage means M1, M2 of the next screen, the display device in the writing order The above problem is solved by providing a map display control program characterized in that it is means for switching and drawing map data to be displayed on the screen of 6 at a predetermined time interval τ.

Since the navigation device according to the present invention and the map display control program for causing the computer to function as each processing means according to the present invention are configured as described above,
(1) When navigating a route from the current point to the destination point, detailed display or wide area display including the current point and the next guide point (for example, the next right / left turn point) is performed, so the guide route is accurate and easy. Can grasp.
(2) When switching the scale of the map displayed on the screen during navigation, the scale value is changed step by step to the map of the scale value to be changed, instead of instantaneously switching to the map of the scale value to be changed and displayed. By zooming in and zooming, you can visually grasp how much you zoomed in (zoomed), and highly visual navigation with a visual effect (animation effect) that gives you a comfortable and dynamic feeling. Is realized.
(3) When the desired map data, which is read from the database and whose scale value is changed step by step, is sequentially drawn on the screen of the display device, the map data of the next screen is alternately stored in the two storage means. Sequentially, regardless of the amount of map data on one screen (even if the map data on one screen is not completely drawn on the screen of the display device), the screen is switched to the next screen at predetermined time intervals. Zoom display.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a navigation device and its map display control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a navigation device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the automatic scale changing means of the navigation apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an example of a map displayed on the screen for explaining the guide point determination means of the navigation device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration having automatic drawing switching means in the automatic scale changing means of the navigation apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining processing performed by the screen display scale sequential switching means including the drawing automatic switching means. FIG. 6 is an overall flowchart of the processing of the map display control program that causes the processing device of the navigation device according to the present invention to function as automatic scale changing means. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing performed by the drawing automatic switching means. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the scale changing process from the wide area map to the detailed map of the next left turn guide point in the navigation device according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a scale changing process from a detailed map to a wide area map including an intersection that turns right at the next guide point in the navigation device according to the present invention.

  The block circuit configuration of the navigation device 20 of the present invention is the same as that of a conventional navigation device. That is, in FIG. 1, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 1 receives signals transmitted from a plurality of artificial satellites, converts them into predetermined signals, and calculates and calculates the latitude and longitude of the vehicle. It is provided to realize self-absolute position detection by a satellite navigation system.

  The direction sensor 2 detects geomagnetism and detects the direction of the traveling direction of the host vehicle, and the vehicle speed sensor 3 is a sensor that can detect the traveling speed of the host vehicle and the traveling distance. Other sensors such as a steering sensor (not shown) may be provided.

  The operating device 8 is for the driver to perform various inputs such as input of a destination point (such as digitizing by finger touch) on the navigation device 20.

  The database 5 has various scales from a wide-area map (= enlarged scale) to a detailed map (= reduced scale) that displays, for example, the vicinity of an intersection in detail on a storage device using a CD-ROM, DVD, hard disk (HD), or the like as a recording medium. The map data that can correspond to is stored.

  The processing device 4 reads the map data in the database 5 and displays the map on a display device 6 such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT, and in response to sensor outputs from the GPS receiver 1, the direction sensor 2, the vehicle speed sensor 3, and the like. The current position of the vehicle is displayed on the map. Further, a voice guide such as a guide point (maneuver point) is displayed using the voice guide device 7 having a voice synthesis circuit while displaying a preferable guide route searched for the destination point inputted by the operation device 8 on a map. It consists of a control processing circuit mainly composed of a microcomputer that executes processing for performing the operation during operation.

  Now, the navigation device 20 of the present invention provides a next guide point or destination point (this is also included as a guide point) after passing a certain guide point on the guide route in order to realize an accurate and easy-to-understand guide for the driver. The scale of the map is automatically switched so that it is always displayed on the map, and how much the scale has been changed without a sense of incongruity, Along with this, it has a feature in that it changes in zoom. The map display means and the map automatic scale changing means with animation effects will be described in detail below.

  In the processing device 4 of the navigation device 20 of the present invention in FIG. 1, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the automatic scale changing means 15 in the processing device 4 includes a plurality of sets set on the guide route. The next guidance point B in the guidance route (black thick line) of the guidance map as shown in FIG. 3 displayed on the screen of the display device 6 after passing one of the guidance points is a predetermined wide area on the screen. A guidance point determination unit 11 that determines whether the frame is outside the display determination frame F1 (white large broken line frame) or in a predetermined detailed display determination frame F2 (white small broken line frame); and the guidance point determination unit Appropriate scale calculating means 12 for calculating the maximum scale value of the map such that the current point A and the next guide point B located below the center are within the screen according to the determination result of 11, and the screen Displayed on A predetermined number of intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Between the current map screen display scale value 1 / Na and the calculated scale value 1 / Nb calculated by the appropriate scale calculating means 12. The intermediate scale value setting means 13 to be set, and the predetermined time interval τ in the order of reduction or enlargement in the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Until the calculated scale value 1 / Nb is obtained. And a scale-sequential switching means 14 for drawing and displaying a map based on the map data on the screen of the display device 6.

  The guidance point determination means 11 is a functional block in which the microcomputer of the processing device 4 is functioned by a map display control program to be described later, and the map coordinate data displayed on the screen based on the map data of the database 5 and the next A determination result is output by calculation processing from the position coordinates of the guide point B and the coordinates of the determination frames F1 and F2.

  The appropriate scale calculation means 12 is a functional block that allows the microcomputer of the processing device 4 to function by a map display control program described later, and is in an area between the wide area display determination frame F1 and the detailed display determination frame F2. The maximum scale value that is a distance of about 1/2 to 4/5 of the length of the diagonal line on the screen where the next guide point B is located (in other words, the current position is generally fixed on the screen) Calculate the maximum scale value appropriate for displaying the guidance route in an easy-to-understand manner while simultaneously separating the point A and the next guide point B as much as possible on the screen, and output the calculated scale value to be switched. To do.

  The scale dividing means 13 is a functional block that allows the microcomputer of the processing device 4 to function by a map display control program described later. The scale value of the current screen display scale 1 / Na and the appropriate scale calculating means 12 A calculation process is performed for setting a predetermined number (for example, 5, 10) of intermediate scale values between the calculated scale 1 / Nb and the result is output.

  The scale sequential switching means 14 is a functional block in which the microcomputer of the processing device 4 is functioned by a map display control program described later, and the scale dividing means is displayed on the screen of the display device 6 based on the map data of the database 5. The map of each reduced scale from the current scale 1 / Na map obtained in step 13 to the calculated scale 1 / Nb map to be switched is sequentially displayed. This display switching is performed at a predetermined time interval τ of about 0.1 to 0.5 seconds, and the zoom time required for switching depends on the number of intermediate scale values set but is preferably about 1 to 2 seconds. If the number of settings is increased, a smooth zoom with a high animation effect can be realized, and a highly scaled map scale can be obtained.

  In this respect, the desired one-screen map data D1, D2, D3, D4,... Dx,..., Which are read from the database 5 and whose scale values are changed in stages, are sequentially displayed on the screen of the display device 6. Even when the map data amount of one screen is not completely drawn on the screen of the display device 6 regardless of the amount of map data of one screen, it is predetermined. It is desirable to switch to drawing of map data (for example, the map data D2) on the next screen at a time interval τ (constant).

  When the number of set intermediate scale values is increased (for example, 9) and the zoom time is set to a preferable value (for example, 1 second), the time for displaying the map data on one screen on the screen is short. (0.1 seconds), but for map data such as a detailed map with a large amount of data on which a large amount of maneuver points and other information is displayed, storage means for reading out the data from the database 5 and temporarily storing it The time for writing to the display memory device becomes longer (it may take about 0.2 seconds), and after this is completely drawn on the screen of the display device 6, the display is switched to the display of the map data on the next screen. Therefore, the display time interval at the time of zooming becomes squeezed and it becomes difficult to display smoothly.

  Thought, since the display of the map data D1, D2, D3, D4,... Dx,... At intermediate scale values during zooming is transient, it is necessary to completely draw on the screen of the display device 6. It can be said that the nature is not high.

  Therefore, as the best mode, display of map data D1, D2, D3, D4,... Dx,... At intermediate scale values during zooming is performed at a predetermined time interval τ (0.1 second to 0.5 seconds). It is desirable to set the processing to give priority to display on the screen at a constant value (even if the drawing of the map data for the previous one screen on the screen is incomplete).

  From this point of view, in the navigation device 20 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the screen display scale sequential switching means 14 in the automatic scale changing means 15 is read from the database 5. First and second storage means M1 and M2 for temporarily storing map data for one screen to be displayed on the display device 6 (an internal or external memory device such as a DRAM controlled by the processing device 4) And the first and second storage means M1 and M2 are controlled to switch the drawing on the screen of the display device 6 according to the intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,. Automatic drawing means 17, and the drawing automatic switching means 17 reads the map data D1 written in the first storage means M1 and draws it on the screen of the display device 6. At the same time, the map data D2 of the next screen is written into the second storage means M2, and the display object is switched after a predetermined time τ has elapsed from the start of drawing the map data D1 written into the first storage means M1. The map data D2 is read from the second storage means M2 and drawing is started on the screen. Thereafter, the map data Dx of the next screen is sequentially switched to the first or second storage means M1 and M2. The map data displayed on the screen of the display device 6 is switched at a predetermined time interval τ and drawn in the order of writing.

  That is, when one storage means (for example, the first storage means M1) is used for display, the other storage means (for example, the second storage means M2) is searched from the database 5 for the next scale map data. It is used for writing.

  The automatic drawing switching means 17 is functionally provided in the reduced-scale sequential switching means 14 and functions so that the microcomputer of the processing device 4 is operated by a control program according to the flowchart of FIG. It is a block.

  Next, in the overall flowchart of the processing of the map display control program that causes the processing device 4 of the navigation device 20 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 6 to function as automatic scale changing means, the processing content of the map display control program of the present invention is as follows. (A) to (g) are executed in the procedure.

  (A) When the navigation device 20 is activated and the user inputs the destination point X using the operation device 8, (b) the screen display and voice guide of the display device 6 based on the map data of the database 5 of the processing device 4 7 is started, and (c) the next guidance point B in the guidance route of the map currently displayed on the screen is outside the predetermined wide area display determination frame F1 on the screen or predetermined detailed display determination The step of functioning the guidance point determination means 11 for determining whether the frame is within the frame F2 is executed. (D) If the determination is NO, the current display screen is maintained, and if YES, the current point A and Executing the step of causing the appropriate scale calculating means 12 to calculate the appropriate maximum scale value 1 / Nb of the map in which the next guide point B is within the screen of the display device 6; An intermediate for setting a predetermined number (about 2 to 15) of intermediate scale values between the current screen display scale value 1 / Na being displayed and the calculated scale value 1 / Nb calculated by the appropriate scale calculating means 12 The step of causing the scale value setting means 13 to function is executed, and (f) reduction at the set intermediate scale values 1 / N1, 1 / N2,... Until the calculated scale value 1 / Nb becomes a detailed map or a wide area map. Performing a step of causing the scale sequential switching means 14 to draw and display a map of each scale based on the map data on the screen of the display device 6 at a predetermined time interval τ in the order of conversion or enlargement, and (g ) Finally, the microcomputer performs processing control for displaying the map of the calculated scale value 1 / Nb on the screen of the display device 6.

  The steps (a) to (g) are one routine processing by the map automatic scale changing means 15 and are executed each time a new next guide point B ′ appears after passing through the guide point B. Thus, the display ends with the display of the detailed map of the destination point X (= the last guide point).

  In particular, regarding the map display control program of the computer for functioning the scale sequential switching means 14 for drawing and displaying the maps of (f) to (g) of FIG. On the basis of the configuration of the drawing automatic switching means 17 for realizing the above, one screen of map data D1, D2,... For display on the display device 6 read from the database 5 shown in FIG. For the first and second storage means M1, M2 for temporarily storing Dx ..., the map data D1 written in the first storage means M1 is read and drawn on the screen of the display device 6, and The map data D2 of the next screen is written in the second storage means M2, and after a predetermined time τ has elapsed from the start of drawing the map data D1 written in the first storage means M1, the display pair is displayed. And the map data D2 of the next screen is read out from the second storage means M2 and drawing is started on the screen. Thereafter, the map data Dx of the next screen is sequentially added to the first or second map data Dx. The scale sequential switching for controlling the drawing automatic switching means 17 for switching and drawing the map data Dx displayed on the screen of the display device 6 at a predetermined time interval τ while alternately writing to the storage means M1 and M2. It functions as the means 14.

  That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, (a) when switching of the map data to be displayed on the display device 6 is started, (b) the map data of the intermediate scale value of the next screen is read from the database 5 and next. Start writing to the first or second storage means M1 or M2 for the screen, (c) wait for a predetermined time interval τ, and (d) the first or second storage means for the next screen. Switch to the map data Dx written in M1 or M2, (e) determine whether the display object is the map data of the calculated scale value 1 / Nb that is the final zoom switch, and (f) scale if YES. The control flow is such that the sequential switching process is terminated, the map switching is terminated, and in the case of NO, the flow returns to the previous (B).

  As a simple example, in FIG. 8, a wide area map 21 (current point A and guide point) including both the current point A and the next guide point B, which is an intersection to be turned left, as in the map shown in the screen display (a) in FIG. B is a straight distance and has a considerably long distance.) When the vehicle goes straight on the straight guidance route and the current point A approaches the guidance point B and enters the detailed display determination frame F2 (current point A '). (B) The scale (1 / Na) of the wide area map 21 is changed to the scale (calculated scale 1 / Nb) of the detailed map 24 equivalent to the case where the detailed display determination frame F2 of (d) is displayed on the full screen. However, in this switching, there is a predetermined number (two in FIG. 8) of intermediate scale values between the scale 1 / Na of the wide area map 21 of (A) and the scale 1 / Nb of the detailed map 24 of (D). (B) 1 / N1 scale map 22 and (c) 1 / N2 scale map 2 Are sequentially displayed at a predetermined time interval τ (τ = 0.1 to 0.5 seconds) and stepwise (if the number of intermediate scale values is large, the zooming is almost continuously and smoothly zoomed in and out. .) By displaying, it is possible to switch the display map with a scale change accompanied by an animation effect.

  In the wide-area map 21 in FIG. 8 (a), the current location A is an image that progresses on a map fixed on the screen at A ′ as time elapses. A method is often adopted in which the position A is fixed on the screen, and an image approaching the current point A together with a map on which the next guide point B is displayed. Of course, even in this case, it is possible to realize display map switching with a scale change accompanied by the same animation effect as described above.

  Next, immediately after turning left at the intersection of the guide point B according to the guidance, the detailed map 25 of the scale 1 / Nb including the current point A ″ as shown in FIG. Since the point C is not on the screen, the execution of the flow after (c) in the flowchart of FIG. 6 causes the next guide point C and the current point A ″ to be included in the wide map 29 of the scale 1 / Nc (re). However, when switching from the detailed map 25 to the wide area map 29, the map of (1) scale 1 / N3 and (1) scale 1 which are maps of different scale values in the middle of both scales. / N4 map, (1) scale 1 / N5 map is displayed sequentially in the direction of wide-area mapping at a predetermined time interval τ (0.1 to 0.5 seconds), the animation effect as before Switching the display map with a scale change accompanied by To.

  As described above, in the navigation device 20 of the present invention, the automatic scale changing means 15 that changes the scale of the map displayed on the screen of the display device always includes the current point and the next guide point when passing the guide point. Since the scale of the displayed map is changed to become a detailed map when the next guide point is approached, the user can easily and reliably recognize the guide route. .

  Also, when the scale is switched, the map that is gradually displayed at a predetermined time interval is enlarged or reduced by zoom switching with an animation effect, so it is easy to visually grasp how much the scale has been changed. This makes it possible to provide comfortable route guidance with less discomfort for the user.

1 is an overall block configuration diagram of a navigation device according to the present invention. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the automatic scale change means of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is an example of the map displayed on the screen for demonstrating the guidance point determination means of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the structure which has a drawing automatic switching means in the automatic scale change means of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the process which the reduced scale sequential switching means of a screen display provided with a drawing automatic switching means. It is a whole flowchart of the process of the map display control program which makes the processing apparatus of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention function as an automatic scale change means. It is a flowchart of the process which a drawing automatic switching means performs. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of the change process of the reduced scale from the wide area map to the detailed map in the navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of the change process of the reduced scale from the detailed map to the wide area map in the navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 GPS receiver
2 Direction sensor
3 Vehicle speed sensor
4 processing equipment
5 Database
6 Display device
7 Voice guide device
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 Operation apparatus 11 Guidance point determination means 12 Appropriate scale calculation means 13 Intermediate scale value setting means 14 Scale sequential switching means 15 Automatic scale change means 17 Drawing automatic switching means 20 Navigation device 21, 29 Wide area map 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 Scale map 24, 25 Detailed map A, A ', A "Current location B, B', C Next guidance location D1, D2, D3, D4, Dx Map data of intermediate scale value
X destination point F1 wide area display determination frame F2 detailed display determination frame 1 / Na scale value of current screen display scale 1 / Nb calculated scale value M1 first storage means M2 second storage means
τ Predetermined time interval

Claims (4)

Based on the map data stored in the database, it is displayed on the screen of the display device , partially including the current location and part of the guide route from the current location to the destination location , and the current location and In a navigation device comprising an automatic scale changing means for changing the scale of a map that automatically moves in conjunction with each other ,
The automatic scale changing means is
Next when the current point passes through one guide point displayed on the screen among a plurality of guide points set on the guide route or when the current point falls within a predetermined detailed display determination frame. a guide point determining means for guiding point a determination is made whether in or outside the detailed display determination frame of a predetermined wide area display determination frame on the screen,
An appropriate scale calculating means for calculating a maximum scale value of a map in which the current point and the next guide point fit within the screen according to the determination result of the guide point determining means;
Intermediate scale value setting means for setting a predetermined number of intermediate scale values between the screen display scale value of the current map displayed on the screen and the calculated scale value calculated by the appropriate scale calculation means;
Scale sequential switching means for drawing and displaying a map based on the map data on the screen of the display device at a predetermined time interval in the order of reduction or enlargement in the intermediate scale value until the map of the calculated scale value is obtained;
A navigation device comprising: Scale display sequential switching means for screen display in the automatic scale change means, first and second storage means for temporarily storing map data for one screen to be displayed on the display device read from the database; Drawing automatic switching means for controlling the first and second storage means and switching drawing on the screen of the display device according to the intermediate scale value;
When the intermediate scale value is set , the automatic drawing switching means writes the map data of the intermediate scale value closest to the current screen display scale value to the first storage means, and the map written to the first storage means The data is read out and drawn on the screen of the display device, and the map data of the second scale value to be the next screen is written in the second storage means, and the map data written in the first storage means is drawn. The display object is switched after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start, the map data of the second scale value is read from the second storage means, drawing is started on the screen, and the third scale that becomes the next next screen is started. writing map data values to said first storage means, subsequently, calculating to map data scale values are depicted on the screen, sequentially the first and second storage hand map data of the next screen The while writing alternately, the navigation device according to claim 1, characterized in that to draw switching map data at predetermined time intervals to be displayed on the screen of the display device to the writing order. The computer is displayed on the screen of the display device on the basis of the map data stored in the database, includes a current location and partially shows a part of the guide route from the current location to the destination location. In a map display control program for a navigation device that functions as an automatic scale changing means that changes the scale of a map that automatically moves in conjunction with the position of
The computer,
Next when the current point passes through one guide point displayed on the screen among a plurality of guide points set on the guide route or when the current point falls within a predetermined detailed display determination frame. a guide point determining means for guiding point a determination is made whether in or outside the detailed display determination frame of a predetermined wide area display determination frame on the screen,
An appropriate scale calculating means for calculating a maximum scale value of a map in which the current point and the next guide point fit within the screen according to the determination result of the guide point determining means;
Intermediate scale value setting means for setting a predetermined number of intermediate scale values between the screen display scale value of the current map displayed on the screen and the calculated scale value calculated by the appropriate scale calculation means;
Scale sequential switching means for drawing and displaying a map based on the map data on the screen of the display device at a predetermined time interval in the order of reduction or enlargement in the intermediate scale value until the map of the calculated scale value is obtained;
A map display control program for functioning as an automatic scale changing means comprising: In the map display control program according to claim 3,
The scale sequential switching means controls first and second storage means for temporarily storing map data for one screen to be displayed on the display device read from the database, and according to the intermediate scale value. In addition, it is realized in a computer as a means provided with an automatic drawing switching means for switching drawing on the screen of the display device,
When the intermediate scale value is set , the automatic drawing switching means writes the map data of the intermediate scale value closest to the current screen display scale value to the first storage means, and the map written to the first storage means The data is read out and drawn on the screen of the display device, and the map data of the second scale value to be the next screen is written in the second storage means, and the map data written in the first storage means is drawn. The display object is switched after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start, the map data of the second scale value is read from the second storage means, drawing is started on the screen, and the third scale that becomes the next next screen is started. writing map data values to said first storage means, subsequently, calculating to map data scale values are depicted on the screen, sequentially the first and second storage hand map data of the next screen While writing alternately, the map display control program, wherein the map data to be displayed on the screen of the display device to the writing order is a means for drawing is switched at predetermined time intervals.

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