JP4948944B2 - Navigation device and method for drawing intersection guide map - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device and a method for drawing an intersection guide map, and is particularly suitable for use in a navigation device that provides guidance by showing an enlarged view of an intersection when entering a guidance intersection.

  In general, in-vehicle navigation devices detect the current position of a vehicle using a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, or the like, read out map data in the vicinity of the vehicle, and display it on a screen. Then, the vehicle position mark indicating the vehicle position is superimposed and displayed at a predetermined location on the screen, so that it can be seen at a glance where the vehicle is currently traveling.

  Most navigation devices are equipped with a route guidance function. This route guidance function automatically searches for the route with the lowest cost from the current location to the destination using map data, and uses the searched route as a guidance route to change the color of other roads on the map screen. draw. Further, when the vehicle approaches a guidance intersection on the guidance route within a certain distance, an enlarged view of the intersection is displayed and the intersection is guided to guide the driver to the destination.

  By the way, one of the road systems often found mainly in Europe, America and China is a roundabout called Roundabout (also called roundabout or traffic circle). As shown in FIG. 13 (a), this landbout is configured by radially connecting a plurality of roads to be an approach road or an escape road to a closed ring road.

The size of such a landbout (for example, the circumferential distance and area of the landbout, the number of connection links, etc.) varies. On the other hand, there is provided a technique for adjusting a map image so that the entire landbout is displayed in a screen display area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3319375

  On the other hand, when a landabout corresponds to a guidance intersection, an enlarged view of the intersection of the landabout is displayed. In general, an enlarged intersection view including a landbout is drawn by deforming a landbout and roads connected thereto based on map data. Using the enlarged intersection drawing drawn in this way makes it easy to grasp the escape route.

  However, if the landabout is huge, the deformed roads are drawn overlapping each other because there are too many links to be drawn, and as shown in FIG. It will be drawn. In this case, there is a problem that the user cannot recognize that it is a landabout and cannot specify the exit. On the other hand, although a part of the map image is enlarged and displayed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to grasp which part of the landbout is running.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a guide map that is easy to see for a driver when displaying a large guide map of a landbout.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the navigation device of the present invention, when an intersection enlarged view is displayed on the screen and the intersection guidance is performed, it is determined that the guidance intersection is a landabout and the landabout is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. In such a case, the screen is displayed as a two-screen display, and a map image of a reduced scale is drawn on one side so that the entire landbout fits within the screen display area, and a partially enlarged view of the landbout is drawn on the other side to generate a guide map To do.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, a map image and a partially enlarged view of a landbout can be drawn at the same time in a guide map in a large landbout. For this reason, the user can grasp the entire landbout from the map image, and can confirm his / her position in the landbout. In addition, even if it is a huge landbout, a partially enlarged view is displayed without being crushed, so that the user can surely know which direction to proceed at the branch point.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a map recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, which stores various map data necessary for map display and route search. Here, the DVD-ROM 11 is used as a recording medium for storing the map data, but other recording media such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk, and a semiconductor memory may be used. A DVD-ROM control unit 12 controls reading of map data from the DVD-ROM 11.

  Here, the details of the map data recorded on the DVD-ROM 11 will be described. The map data recorded on the DVD-ROM 11 includes road data necessary for various processes such as map display and route search. Road data is information about nodes corresponding to points where multiple roads such as intersections and branches intersect, and links corresponding to roads, lanes, etc. that connect between a node on the road and other nodes adjacent to it. And information about.

  The information regarding the node includes an attribute flag of each node. The attribute flag includes an intersection flag indicating whether or not the node is an intersection, a roundabout flag indicating whether or not the node constitutes a part of the landbout, and whether or not the landbout is a predetermined size or more. A size flag indicating is included.

  Information relating to the link includes information such as a link distance, a road attribute flag, and a link cost. The link distance indicates the actual distance of the actual road corresponding to the link. The road attribute flag indicates various attributes relating to the link. For example, the road attribute flag indicates that the road corresponding to the link is a link constituting a part of the landabout. The cost of the link is a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined constant according to the road width, road type, right and left turns, traffic regulations, etc., based on the distance, and quantifies the appropriate degree as a guide route .

  Reference numeral 13 denotes a position measurement unit (corresponding to the vehicle position detection unit of the present invention) that measures the current position of the vehicle, and is composed of a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS receiver, a position calculation CPU, and the like. The self-contained navigation sensor includes a vehicle speed sensor (distance sensor) that outputs a single pulse for each predetermined travel distance to detect the travel distance of the vehicle, and an angular velocity sensor such as a vibration gyro that detects the rotation angle (movement direction) of the vehicle. (Relative orientation sensor). The self-contained navigation sensor detects the relative position and direction of the vehicle using these vehicle speed sensor and angular velocity sensor.

  The position calculation CPU calculates the absolute own vehicle position (estimated vehicle position) and vehicle direction based on the relative position and direction data of the own vehicle output from the self-contained navigation sensor. The GPS receiver receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites by a GPS antenna and performs a three-dimensional positioning process or a two-dimensional positioning process to calculate the absolute position and direction of the vehicle (the vehicle direction is The calculation is based on the current vehicle position and the current vehicle position one sampling time ΔT before).

  A map information memory 14 temporarily stores map data read from the DVD-ROM 11 under the control of the DVD-ROM control unit 12. That is, the DVD-ROM control unit 12 inputs information on the current vehicle position from the position measurement unit 13 and outputs an instruction to read out a predetermined range of map data including the current vehicle position, thereby displaying a map display or guidance route. Map data necessary for the search is read from the DVD-ROM 11 and stored in the map information memory 14.

  Reference numeral 15 denotes an operation unit such as a remote controller (remote controller). The user sets various information (for example, a route guidance destination or waypoint) to the navigation apparatus 10 or performs various operations (for example, menu selection). Various operators (buttons, joysticks, etc.) for performing operations, enlargement / reduction operations, manual map scrolling, numerical input, etc. are provided. Reference numeral 16 denotes a remote control interface, which receives an infrared signal corresponding to the operation state from the remote control 15. In addition, although the example using the remote control 15 is described here, a touch panel may be used.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a processor (CPU) that controls the entire navigation apparatus 10. A ROM 18 stores various programs (guidance route search processing program, route guidance processing program, etc.). Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM which temporarily stores data obtained during various processes and data obtained as a result of various processes.

  The CPU 17 searches for a travel route connecting the current location and the destination under predetermined conditions using the map data stored in the map information memory 14 in accordance with the guidance route search processing program stored in the ROM 18. For example, the guidance route that minimizes the cost under any of the conditions such as the shortest time, the shortest distance, and the minimum fee is searched. When a transit point is also set, a route with the lowest cost is searched for under a predetermined condition among routes from the current location to the destination through the transit point. The conditions for searching for the guide route can be arbitrarily designated by the user.

  Moreover, CPU17 performs the process which guides a vehicle to the destination according to a route guidance processing program. That is, a guidance route generation unit 24, which will be described later, is controlled to draw the guidance route thickly on the map screen while changing the color from other roads while the vehicle is traveling. In addition, when the vehicle approaches a guidance intersection on the guidance route within a certain distance, the direction of travel is guided by voice, or the guidance image of the intersection is enlarged and an arrow indicating the direction of travel is displayed. Provide intersection guidance. At this time, the CPU 17 uses the map data stored in the map information memory 14 to determine whether or not the guidance intersection is a roundabout of a predetermined size or more, and draws an enlarged intersection map according to the determination result. To control. The details of the intersection enlarged view drawing process will be described later.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a guidance route memory, which stores guidance route data searched by the CPU 17. The guidance route data stores the position of each node and the attribute flag of each node in association with each node from the current location to the destination.

  A display controller 21 generates map image data necessary for display on the display device 27 based on the map data stored in the map information memory 14. A video RAM 22 temporarily stores map image data generated by the display controller 21. That is, the map image data generated by the display controller 21 is temporarily stored in the video RAM 22, and the map image data for one screen is read and output to the image composition unit 26.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes a menu generation unit that generates and outputs a menu image necessary for performing various operations using the remote controller 15. Reference numeral 24 denotes a guidance route generation unit (corresponding to the drawing unit of the present invention), which generates guidance route drawing data using the processing result of the guidance route search processing program stored in the guidance route memory 20. That is, the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20 is selectively read out that is included in the map area drawn in the video RAM 22 at that time, and the guidance is overlaid on the map image and highlighted with a predetermined color. Generate route drawing data. Further, when the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection in front of the guidance route, an enlarged image of the approaching guidance intersection is generated.

  A mark generating unit 25 generates and outputs a vehicle position mark displayed at the vehicle position after the map matching process, various landmarks displaying points corresponding to facilities, and the like. In addition, an identification mark for notifying the entry into the landabout is also generated and output. Note that the map matching process includes the map data read into the map information memory 14, the vehicle position and vehicle orientation data measured by the GPS receiver measured by the position measurement unit 13, and the vehicle estimated by the autonomous navigation sensor. This refers to processing for correcting the position of the vehicle on the road of the map data using the position and vehicle direction data.

  The above-described image composition unit 26 synthesizes and outputs various images. That is, the map image data read out by the display controller 21 is overlaid with the image data output from each of the menu generation unit 23, the guide route generation unit 24, and the mark generation unit 25, and image synthesis is performed. Output to. Thereby, the map information around the vehicle position is displayed on the screen of the display device 27 together with the vehicle position mark and various landmarks. When a guidance route is set, the guidance route is displayed on this map, and an enlarged view of the intersection is displayed when the position of the vehicle approaches the vicinity of the guidance intersection.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 17 includes an intersection determination unit 31 and a size determination unit 32 as functional configurations. Based on the data stored in the map information memory 14 and the guide route memory 20, the intersection determination unit 31 determines whether the host vehicle has approached the guidance intersection within a predetermined distance. Then, when it is determined that the host vehicle is approaching the guidance intersection, the guidance intersection is determined based on the landabout flag assigned to the entry point node to the landabout by referring to the map data stored in the map information memory 14. It is determined whether or not.

  Based on the size flag stored in the map information memory 14, the size determining unit 32 determines whether the landabout determined by the intersection determining unit 31 is greater than or equal to a predetermined size. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition item for determining the size of a landbout. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the circumference of the landbout is 1 km or more, a size flag indicating that the landbout is a predetermined size or more is given to the node of the landbout. Also, the landabout diameter is 300 meters or more, the landabout area is 28 km2 or more, the number of connecting links to the landabout is 10 or more, or the number of links existing around the landabout is 20 or more. When either of the above conditions is satisfied, a size flag indicating that the landbout is larger than a predetermined size may be given to the node of the landbout. The size determination unit 32 makes a determination by reading the size flag from the map data in the map information memory 14.

  It should be noted that the landabout node may have values such as the distance (circumference) and diameter of the landabout as information. In this case, the size determination unit 32 has a value as shown in FIG. 3 as a threshold value, and the landbout has a predetermined size compared to the values such as the distance and diameter of the landbout read from the entry point node. Judgment is made on whether or not this is the case. Further, the size determination unit 32 may calculate values such as the distance and diameter of the landbout using the map data (link information) stored in the map information memory 14. Also in this case, the size determination unit 32 has a value as shown in FIG. 3 as a threshold value, and the calculated value is compared with the threshold value to determine whether or not the landout is greater than or equal to a predetermined size. To.

  The guidance route generation unit 24 is configured to perform a normal intersection when the intersection determination unit 31 determines that the guidance intersection is not a landabout, or when the size determination unit 32 determines that the landabout is not equal to or larger than a predetermined size. Draw an enlarged view. That is, the guidance route generation unit 24 deforms and displays the guidance intersection based on the map data in the map information memory 14, and covers an arrow indicating the guidance direction according to the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20. draw. Here, when a normal intersection enlarged view is drawn, the guidance route generation unit 24 draws a node that enters the guidance intersection as a center. In addition, the display size (scale) of the intersection enlarged view is fixed (for example, 45 m × 45 m).

On the other hand, the guidance route generation unit 24 displays the screen when the intersection determination unit 31 determines that the guidance intersection is a landabout, and the size determination unit 32 determines that the landabout is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. Is a two-screen display. Then, the map data in the map information memory 14 is used on one of the two screens to draw a map image of a scale that fits the entire screen within the screen display area, and on the other side, a partially enlarged view of the landbout is drawn and guided. Generate a diagram. Further, as a partially enlarged view, for each branch point of the landabout, the branch point is deformed and drawn based on the map data in the map information memory 14 and the guidance route data in the guidance route memory 20.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide map of a landbout drawn by the guide route generation unit 24. When the CPU 17 determines that the guidance target is a landbout having a predetermined size or more from the attribute flag of the intersection stored in the guidance route memory 20, the guidance route generation unit 24 determines each branch point (landbout of the landbout). A partial enlarged view of the landbout is sequentially switched and drawn for each of the entrance, the branch point in the landbout, and the exit of the landbout).

  Here, as for the switching timing, for example, the guide route generator 24 uses the distance of the link from one branch point to the next branch point based on the map data stored in the map information memory 14 to determine the position. When the vehicle position measured by the measuring unit 13 advances a predetermined distance from a certain branch point, or approaches a next branch point within a predetermined distance, a partially enlarged view of the next branch point Try to switch.

  In addition, the guide route generator 24 uses the number of links from a certain branch point to the next branch point, and when the number of links to the next branch point reaches a predetermined number, You may make it switch to a partial enlarged view. In addition, the guide route generator 24 uses the number of nodes from a certain branch point to the next branch point, and when the number of nodes to the next branch point reaches a predetermined number, You may make it switch to a partial enlarged view. Note that the switching timings listed here are merely examples, and are not limited to these.

  In FIG. 4, when the host vehicle approaches the landing point node of the landabout within a predetermined distance, the guidance route generating unit 24, as shown in FIG. 4A, displays a map image (left side in the figure) and the vicinity of the landabout entrance. A partially enlarged view (right side in the figure) is drawn. In FIG. 4A, reference numeral 101 denotes a vehicle position mark. The image composition unit 26 performs image composition by superimposing the vehicle position mark 101 generated by the mark generation unit 25 on the image data output from the guidance route generation unit 24. Reference numeral 102 denotes the name of the landbout, and the guidance route generator 24 draws the map based on the map data stored in the map information memory 14. Reference numeral 103 denotes a flag indicating the exit of the landbout, which is drawn by the guide route generator 24 based on the guide route data stored in the guide route memory 20. Reference numeral 104 denotes a map image scale (for example, 2 km).

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a vehicle position mark in a partially enlarged view. Similarly to the vehicle position mark 101 on the left side of the screen, the vehicle position mark 105 generated by the mark generating unit 25 by the image combining unit 26 is used as the guidance route generating unit 24. The image is superimposed on the image data output from. Reference numeral 106 denotes a display indicating that the vehicle position is approaching the landabout.

  Next, when the host vehicle enters the landabout and approaches, for example, the first branch point within a predetermined distance, the guide route generator 24 switches a partially enlarged view as shown in FIG. 4B. And draw. FIG. 4B shows a map image with a scale that allows the entire landbout to fit within the screen display area, and a partially enlarged view near the first branch point in the landbout. As shown in FIG. 4B, the guidance route generator 24 draws an identifier at a position corresponding to the map image and the partially enlarged view. For example, in FIG. 4B, the guidance route generation unit 24 assigns numbers “1” to “3” as identifiers to each branch point of the landbout in the map image on the left screen, and shows a partially enlarged view of the right screen. At the branch point, the corresponding position number “1” is assigned.

  Further, as indicated by reference numeral 107 in FIG. 4B, the guide route generator 24 draws a display window for informing a branch point serving as an exit of the landbout above the partially enlarged view. Draw “3”. Reference numeral 108 denotes a flag indicating a branch point, which is drawn by the guide route generation unit 24 based on the map data stored in the map information memory 14 as with the flag 103 on the left side of the screen. In addition, the guide route generator 24 also draws an arrow of the guide route that is boldly emphasized in a partially enlarged view. This arrow may be gradually erased as the vehicle position mark 105 moves.

  When the vehicle passes the first branch point numbered “1” and approaches the second branch point numbered “2” within a predetermined distance, guidance The path generation unit 24 switches and draws a partially enlarged view as shown in FIG. FIG. 4C shows a map image of a scale that allows the entire landbout to fit within the screen display area, and a partially enlarged view near the second branch point. As shown in FIG. 4C, the guide route generator 24 deforms and draws a partially enlarged view of the branch point corresponding to the number “2” of the map image, and also adds the number “2” to the branch point. Draw.

  Furthermore, when the host vehicle passes through the second branch point assigned the number “2” and the host vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the third branch point assigned the number “3”. The guide route generator 24 switches and draws a partially enlarged view as shown in FIG. FIG. 4D shows a map image of a scale that allows the entire landbout to be within the screen display area and a partially enlarged view near the third branch point. As shown in FIG. 4 (d), the guidance route generator 24 deforms and draws a partially enlarged view of the branch point corresponding to the number “3” of the map image, and also adds the number “3” to the branch point. Draw.

  In addition, although the example which deform | transforms and draws a landbout based on map data as a partially enlarged view was demonstrated here, as another example, the guidance path | route generation | occurrence | production part 24 carries out map data to predetermined scale as a partially enlarged view. An enlarged map image may be drawn. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a guide map of the landbout drawn by the guide route generator 24 according to the first embodiment in this case. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the guidance route generation unit 24 draws a map image on a scale (for example, 2 km) on one of the two divided screens (left side in the figure) so that the entire landbout fits within the screen display area. On the other (right side in the figure), for example, a map image enlarged on a 30 m scale is drawn. This 30-m scale enlarged image is drawn after the host vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the entry point node to the landbout until it passes the predetermined distance after leaving the exit point node. At this time, in the partially enlarged view, for example, the display position of the vehicle position mark is fixed, and the map image enlarged on the 30 m scale is scrolled. In FIG. 5, the guidance route generation unit 24 also draws the map image and the enlarged map image by assigning numbers to the positions of the corresponding branch points.

  Next, operation | movement of the navigation apparatus 10 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the intersection determination unit 31 determines whether or not the host vehicle has approached the guidance intersection within a predetermined distance based on data in the map information memory 14 and the guidance route memory 20 (step S1). Here, if it is determined that the host vehicle has not yet approached the guidance intersection, the process of step S1 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the host vehicle is approaching the guidance intersection, the intersection judgment unit 31 determines whether the guidance intersection is based on the attribute flag of the intersection given to the entry node to the guidance intersection read from the guidance route memory 20. It is determined whether it is a landabout (step S2). Here, when it is determined that it is not a landabout, the guidance route generation unit 24 draws a normal intersection enlarged view (step S3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the intersection determination unit 31 that it is a landbout, whether or not the landbout is greater than or equal to a predetermined size based on the intersection attribute flag read from the guidance route memory 20 by the size determination unit 32. Is determined (step S4). At this time, if it is determined that the landabout is not larger than a predetermined size, a normal intersection enlarged view is drawn in step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the landabout is greater than or equal to the predetermined size, the guide route generation unit 24 displays the screen as a two-screen display. Then, a map image is drawn on one of the two screens using a map data in the map information memory 14 so that the entire roundabout fits within the screen display area, and one of the two screens near the entry point node of the landabout is drawn. The enlarged view is deformed and drawn to generate a guide map (step S5).

  During such two-screen display, the guidance route generation unit 24 determines that the vehicle position is within the roundabout based on the vehicle position measured by the position measurement unit 13 and the map data stored in the map information memory 14. It is determined whether or not the next branch point (including the exit point) has been approached within a predetermined distance (step S6). Here, when it is determined that the vehicle position has come within a predetermined distance from the branch point, the guide route generator 24 switches and draws a partially enlarged view of the next branch point (step S7). Thereafter, the process returns to step S6 and the same processing is repeated until the host vehicle exits the landabout.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the host vehicle is not approaching the next branch point, the guidance route generation unit 24 determines whether the host vehicle has exited from the landing point exit point and traveled a predetermined distance. (Step S8). If it is determined that the vehicle has not left the landbout and has not traveled the predetermined distance, the process returns to step S6 to determine whether or not the next branch point in the landbout is within a predetermined distance. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle exits from the exit point node of the landabout and travels a predetermined distance, the guide route generator 24 erases a partially enlarged view and displays the original map image before displaying two screens in step S5. Is drawn (step S9).

  In addition, after the normal intersection enlarged view is drawn in step S3, the guidance route generation unit 24 determines whether or not the own vehicle has passed the range drawn in the intersection enlarged view (step S10). Here, if it is determined that the range drawn in the enlarged intersection view is not missing, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the range drawn in the enlarged intersection map has passed, the guidance route generation unit 24 deletes the enlarged intersection map and draws the original map image before being displayed in step S3 (step S3). S9).

  As described above in detail, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the guidance intersection is a landabout and is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the guide route generation unit 24 displays the screen in two screens. A map image is displayed, and on the other side, a partially enlarged view of the branch point of the landabout is deformed and drawn. For this reason, the user can confirm his / her position in the entire landbout with the map image, and a part of the enlarged view is displayed without being crushed. Will be able to. As a result, it is possible to provide a guide map that can reliably guide the user at the landabout.

  In addition, when the guidance target is determined to be a landbout of a predetermined size or more, the guidance route generation unit 24 sequentially switches the enlarged view of the landbout for each branch point of the landbout. It is possible to provide a guide map that can reliably grasp the guidance direction at each time.

  In addition, since the guide route generator 24 draws a number at a position corresponding to the map image and the partially enlarged view, the user sees the partially enlarged view near any position on the map image. It becomes easy to understand whether or not it is easier to grasp its own position. In addition, since the guide route generation unit 24 displays a number indicating a branch point serving as an exit in a partially enlarged view, the user can easily grasp the positional relationship between the user's own location and the exit.

  Moreover, even if a map image obtained by enlarging the map data to a predetermined scale is drawn as a partially enlarged view, the user can easily know the way to go next, and the user is surely guided by the landabout. Will be able to.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the navigation device 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the block diagram shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the function of the guidance route generating unit 24 is different from that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the main part is the same as the functional block diagram shown in FIG. To do.

  The guidance route generation unit 24 (corresponding to the drawing unit of the present invention) according to the second embodiment reads, from the map information memory 14, a route guide that indicates a route to each branch point in the landbout instead of a partially enlarged view. Drawing is performed based on the map data and the guidance route data read from the guidance route memory 20. Further, the guidance route generation unit 24 may display the screen in a three-screen display, and draw a travel guide in addition to the map image and the partially enlarged view described in the first embodiment.

  For example, the guidance route generation unit 24 uses the map data in the map information memory 14 and the guidance route data in the guidance route memory 20 to indicate the distance to each branch point, the required time, the direction to travel at the branch point, etc. Draw on the basis. Here, the distance to each branch point is calculated based on the link distance of the map data. The required time to each branch point is calculated by dividing the link distance by the legal speed, for example. The direction of travel at the branching point is processed and drawn using the guidance route data in the guidance route memory 20.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide map of a landbout in which the guide route generation unit 24 according to the second embodiment draws a map image, a partially enlarged view, and a travel guide on three screens. In FIG. 7, the left side of the figure is a map image drawn so that the entire landbout fits within the screen display area, 109 indicates the name of the landbout, and the guidance route generator 24 is stored in the map information memory 14. Draw based on existing map data. Reference numeral 110 denotes a vehicle position mark. The image composition unit 26 performs image composition by superimposing the vehicle position mark 110 generated by the mark generation unit 25 on the image data output from the guidance route generation unit 24. Reference numeral 111 denotes a flag indicating the exit of the landbout, which is drawn by the guide route generator 24 based on the guide route data stored in the guide route memory 20.

  The middle of FIG. 7 is a stroke guide. In this travel guide, reference numeral 112 denotes a vehicle position mark. For example, the vehicle position mark 112 moves as the vehicle position is updated. In addition, the display of the vehicle position mark 112 may be fixed, and the branch point guidance may be turned off one by one each time the vehicle passes through the branch point. Reference numeral 113 denotes a branch point guide for displaying guidance for each branch point. For example, the guide route generation unit 24 draws an arrow 114 indicating the traveling direction at the branch point using the guide route data. In addition, the guidance route generation unit 24 draws an identifier (number) indicating a branch point corresponding to a map image or a partially enlarged view in the branch point guide 113. Furthermore, the required time to each branch point is drawn on the branch point guide 113. Further, the distance to the branch point may be drawn.

  The right side of FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the branch point. As described in the first embodiment, this partially enlarged view is drawn by the guide route generation unit 24 by switching for each branch point. In the partially enlarged view, reference numeral 115 denotes a vehicle position mark, and 116 denotes a flag indicating a branch point in the landabout. Reference numeral 117 denotes a display for informing a branch point serving as an exit. For example, the guide route generator 24 draws the exit number “3” as shown in FIG.

  As described above in detail, in the second embodiment, the guide route generation unit 24 draws the travel guide, so that the user can travel to the branch points at the distance, the required time, and the branch points. It becomes possible to easily grasp the power direction and the like. Here, if the travel guide is drawn together with the map image and partly enlarged view, the map image shows the position of the vehicle in the whole landabout, the road to be followed in the partly enlarged view, and the process. Since the guide can grasp the distance to each branch point, the required time, the direction to travel at the branch point, etc., the user can obtain various information necessary for traveling at once.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the navigation device 40 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the navigation apparatus 40 of the third embodiment further includes an intersection enlarged view memory 28 (corresponding to the enlarged view data storage unit of the present invention) in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. Yes. In the third embodiment, the function of the guidance route generator 41 (corresponding to the drawing unit of the present invention) is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the third embodiment. 8 and 9, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In FIG. 8, the enlarged intersection map memory 28 temporarily stores enlarged map data of the guidance intersection in the guidance route (when the guidance intersection is a landbout having a predetermined size or more, the shape pattern data of the entire landout, etc.). To do. The data of the intersection enlarged view is appropriately read from the DVD-ROM 11 under the control of the DVD-ROM control unit 12. The enlarged intersection map data may be read out from the DVD-ROM 11 for enlarged intersection map data relating to all guidance intersections on the guidance route and stored in the enlarged intersection map memory 28, or may include the current position of the vehicle. You may make it read the intersection enlarged view data regarding the guidance intersection in the predetermined range, and you may make it store in the intersection enlarged view memory 28. FIG.

  When searching for a guidance route, if a destination for route search is set by operating the remote controller 15, the CPU 17 stores the destination data in the guidance route memory 20. When a route search instruction is issued by operating the remote controller 15, the vehicle position at that time is set as departure point data and stored in the guidance route memory 20. Then, a travel route connecting the starting point and the destination stored in the guide route memory 20 is searched under specified conditions. For example, the guide route that minimizes the cost under any of the conditions such as the shortest time, the shortest distance, and the shortest charge is searched and set.

At the time of this search, the CPU 17 uses the map data stored in the map information memory 14 to display an attribute flag indicating whether the guidance intersection is a landbout and whether the landbout is a predetermined size or more. Code information for specifying the enlarged map data corresponding to the enlarged intersection map to be displayed at each guidance intersection is created in association with the attribute flag and recorded in the guidance route memory 20.

  The guidance route generating unit 41 displays a screen 2 when the intersection determining unit 31 determines that the guidance intersection is a landabout and the size determining unit 32 determines that the landbout is a predetermined size or more. Display on the screen. Then, a map image is drawn on one of the two screens using a map data in the map information memory 14 so that the entire landbout fits within the screen display area, and a pattern image of the whole landbout is drawn on the other of the two screens. . This pattern image is drawn by reading out the shape pattern data of the entire landbout from the enlarged intersection memory 28 based on the code information given to the entry point node to the landbout. Then, based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20, a guide map of the entire landbout is drawn by drawing an arrow in the guidance direction on the shape pattern of the entire landbout.

  On the other hand, the guidance route generating unit 41, when the intersection determining unit 31 determines that the guidance intersection is not a landabout, or when the size determining unit 32 determines that the landabout is not equal to or larger than a predetermined size, Draw an enlarged view of the intersection.

  The guide route generation unit 41 displays the screen as a three-screen display, displays the shape pattern of the entire landbout on one screen, and draws the map image and the partially enlarged view described in the first embodiment on the remaining two screens. You may make it do. In addition, the guidance route generation unit 41 may draw the shape pattern of the entire landbout so as to overlap the empty space of the map image, for example, a part of the map image.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide map of a landbout in which the guide route generation unit 41 according to the third embodiment displays a three-screen display of a guide map, a map image, and a partially enlarged view. is there. In FIG. 10, the left side in the figure is a map image, 118 indicates the name of the landbout, and the guidance route generation unit 41 draws based on the map data stored in the map information memory 14. Reference numeral 119 denotes a vehicle position mark. The image composition unit 26 performs image composition by superimposing the vehicle position mark 119 generated by the mark generation unit 25 on the image data output from the guidance route generation unit 41. Reference numeral 120 denotes a flag indicating the exit of the landbout, which is drawn by the guide route generator 41 based on the guide route data stored in the guide route memory 20. Reference numeral 121 denotes a scale of the map image, which indicates that, for example, the map image is drawn on a 2 km scale.

  The upper right of FIG. 10 is a guide map of the entire landbout. The road shape 122 is drawn by the guidance route generating unit 41 by reading out the shape pattern data of the entire landbout from the enlarged intersection memory 28 based on the code information. An arrow 123 is a guide arrow in the guidance direction drawn on the shape pattern of the entire landbout based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20. Reference numeral 124 denotes a vehicle position mark. Reference numeral 125 denotes an identifier (number) indicating a branch point corresponding to a map image or a partially enlarged view. For example, the guide path generation unit 41 draws the image by emphasizing it by increasing the number indicating the exit of the landbout or changing the color from the surroundings. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the exit.

  The lower right of FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of a branch point. As described in the first embodiment, this partially enlarged view is drawn by the guidance route generation unit 41 by switching for each branch point. In the partially enlarged view, 126 is a vehicle position mark, and 127 is a flag indicating a branch point in the landabout. Reference numeral 128 denotes a display notifying the branch point to be the exit. For example, the guide route generating unit 41 draws the exit number “4” as shown in FIG.

  Next, operation | movement of the navigation apparatus 40 of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the navigation device 40 according to the third embodiment. This flowchart shows an operation when a two-screen display and a map image and a shape pattern of the entire landbout are drawn.

  In FIG. 11, the intersection determination unit 31 determines whether or not the host vehicle has approached the guidance intersection within a predetermined distance based on the data in the map information memory 14 and the guidance route memory 20 (step S21). Here, if it is determined that the host vehicle has not yet approached the guidance intersection, the process of step S21 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the host vehicle is approaching the guidance intersection, the intersection judgment unit 31 determines whether the guidance intersection is based on the attribute flag of the intersection given to the entry node to the guidance intersection read from the guidance route memory 20. It is determined whether it is a landabout (step S22). Here, when it is determined that it is not a landabout, the guide route generation unit 41 draws a normal enlarged intersection view (step S23).

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the intersection determination unit 31 that it is a landbout, whether or not the landbout is greater than or equal to a predetermined size based on the intersection attribute flag read from the guidance route memory 20 by the size determination unit 32. Is determined (step S24). At this time, if it is determined that the landabout is not larger than the predetermined size, a normal intersection enlarged view is drawn in step S23.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the landbout is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, the guidance route generation unit 41 uses the code information given to the entry point node to the landbout to obtain the shape pattern data of the entire landbout as an intersection enlarged view memory 28. (Step S25). Then, the guidance route generation unit 41 displays the screen as a two-screen display, draws a map image on a scale so that the entire landbout fits within the screen display area using the map data of the map information memory 14 on one of the two screens, On the other of the two screens, the shape pattern of the entire landbout is drawn using the shape pattern data of the entire landbout read in step S25, and a guide map is generated (step S26).

  During such two-screen display, the guidance route generation unit 41 determines whether or not the host vehicle has left the landabout exit point node and has traveled a predetermined distance (step S27). Here, if it is determined that the vehicle has not left the landbout and has not traveled the predetermined distance, the process returns to step S26 to repeat the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle has left the roundabout exit point node and has traveled a predetermined distance, the guide route generator 41 erases the shape pattern of the entire landbout and displays the original map before the two screen display in step S26. An image is drawn (step S28).

  In addition, after the normal intersection enlarged view is drawn in step S23, the guidance route generating unit 41 determines whether or not the host vehicle has passed through the range drawn in the intersection enlarged view (step S29). Here, if it is determined that the range drawn in the enlarged intersection view is not missing, the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, when it is determined that the range drawn in the enlarged intersection map has passed, the guidance route generating unit 41 erases the enlarged intersection map and draws the original map image before being displayed in step S23 (step S23). S28).

  As described above in detail, in the third embodiment, the guidance route generation unit 41 reads the shape pattern data of the entire landbout based on the code information given to the entry point to the landbout, and reads the shape enlarged map memory 28 to read the shape pattern data. By drawing an arrow in the guidance direction on the pattern, a guide map of the entire landbout is drawn. As a result, it is possible to provide a guide map that can reliably guide the user while avoiding the inconvenience that the enlarged view is crushed when the entire landbout is deformed and drawn as in the prior art.

  Furthermore, if the screen is displayed on three screens, the guide map of the entire landbout is displayed on one screen, and a map image and a partially enlarged view are drawn on the remaining two screens, the enlarged view is crushed. While avoiding inconvenience, it is possible to clearly indicate the direction to proceed at the branch point, and to guide the user more reliably.

  In the first to third embodiments, it has been described that a partially enlarged view is deformed and drawn. However, pattern data may be used for drawing. In this case, for example, the guidance route generation unit 41 reads the shape pattern data from the intersection enlarged view memory 28 based on the code information given to each branch point of the landabout, and draws an arrow in the guidance direction on the shape pattern. By doing so, a partially enlarged view of the branch point may be switched and drawn for each branch point. This also avoids the conventional problem that the enlarged view of the landbout is crushed and allows the user to know the way to go next with the partially enlarged view. As a result, the user can be reliably guided by the landabout.

  In addition, the guidance route generation units 24 and 41 determine that the guidance intersection is a landabout by the intersection determination unit 31 and the size determination unit 32 determines that the landabout is a predetermined size or more. When the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance of the entry point node to the landbout, an identification mark for notifying the entry to the landbout may be added and drawn.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map image displaying an identification mark. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 129 denotes an identification mark for notifying the entry into the landbout. The identification mark generated by the image generating unit 25 by the image combining unit 26 is superimposed on the image data output from the guide path generating units 24 and 41, and the image is combined. I do. As shown in FIG. 12, by drawing the identification mark 129 on the map image and switching to the two-screen display, the user can easily predict that he / she will enter the landbout from now on.

  In addition, each of the first to third embodiments described above is merely an example of a specific example for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is limitedly interpreted by these. It must not be done. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the judgment condition item of the size of the landbout in 1st Embodiment to 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the guide map of a landbout in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the guide map of a landbout in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the navigation apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the guide map of a landbout in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the principal part structural example of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the guide map of a landbout in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the navigation apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the map image which displayed the identification mark. It is explanatory drawing used for description of a landbout.

Explanation of symbols

10,40 Navigation device 14 Map information memory 17 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Guide route memory 24, 41 Guide route generation part 28 Intersection enlarged view memory 31 Intersection judgment part 32 Size judgment part

Claims (10)

A navigation device that displays an enlarged view of an intersection on a screen and guides an intersection when a vehicle approaches a guidance intersection on a guidance route within a certain distance,
An intersection determination unit for determining whether the guidance intersection is a landabout,
A size determination unit for determining whether or not the landabout is equal to or greater than a predetermined size;
When the intersection determination unit determines that the guidance intersection is a landabout, and the size determination unit determines that the size is equal to or greater than a predetermined size, the screen is displayed as a two-screen display. A map unit is used to draw a map image with a reduced scale so that the entire landbout fits within the screen display area using map data, and the drawing unit generates a guide map by drawing a partially enlarged view of the landbout. A navigation device characterized by that.   The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the drawing unit draws the map image and the partially enlarged view in association with an identifier indicating a branch point in the landbout.   The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the drawing unit deforms and draws the branch point based on the map data for each branch point of the landbout as the partially enlarged view. An enlarged view data storage unit storing shape pattern data corresponding to each branch point of the above-mentioned landbout,
The drawing unit reads the shape pattern data from the enlarged drawing data storage unit based on the code information given to each branch point as the partial enlarged view, and draws an arrow in the guidance direction on the shape pattern The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a partially enlarged view of the branch point is drawn for each branch point.   The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the drawing unit draws a map image obtained by enlarging the map data to a predetermined scale as the partially enlarged view.   The drawing unit displays the screen as a three-screen display when the intersection determination unit determines that the guidance intersection is a landabout and the size determination unit determines that the size is equal to or greater than a predetermined size. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map image, the partially enlarged view, and a stroke guide showing a stroke to each branch point in the landabout are drawn. An enlarged view data storage unit storing shape pattern data of the entire landbout corresponding to the above-mentioned landbout,
The drawing unit displays the screen as a three-screen display when the intersection determination unit determines that the guidance intersection is a landabout and the size determination unit determines that the size is equal to or greater than a predetermined size. Based on the code information given to the entry point node to the landbout, the shape pattern data of the whole landbout is read out, and an arrow in the guidance direction is drawn on the shape pattern, so that a guide map of the whole landbout is displayed on one screen. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map image and the partially enlarged view are drawn on the remaining two screens. 8. The navigation apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the drawing unit displays an enlarged guide map of the entire landbout so as to overlap a part of the map image. A vehicle position detector for detecting the current position of the vehicle;
The drawing unit determines whether the guidance intersection is a landabout by the intersection determination unit and the vehicle position detection unit determines that the guidance intersection is a predetermined size or more. 2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance of an entry point node to the landbout, an identification mark for notifying the approach to the landbout is attached and drawn. An intersection guide map drawing method for guiding a driver to a destination by displaying an enlarged map of the intersection on a screen and guiding the intersection when the vehicle approaches a guidance intersection on the guidance route within a certain distance. ,
A first step of determining whether the guidance intersection is a landabout;
A second step of determining whether or not the landabout is greater than or equal to a predetermined size;
When it is determined that the guidance intersection is a landabout and is larger than a predetermined size, the screen is displayed as a two-screen display, and map data is used for one of the two screens so that the entire landabout is within the screen display area. A method for drawing an intersection guide map, comprising: a third step of drawing a map image of a scale that can be accommodated and generating a guide map by drawing a partially enlarged view of a landbout on the other side.