JP5541943B2 - Map display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a map display device, and more particularly to a map display device suitable for scrolling a map.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a map display device having a map display function such as a navigation device, a scroll (moving display) for moving a map display area in a predetermined direction such as up / down / left / right or oblique direction according to a user operation. It was supposed to be possible.

  In this type of map display device, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, a technique for displaying a name of a scroll destination (such as an administrative district name) together with a corresponding cursor has been proposed.

JP-A-2005-300944

  However, conventionally, when the map is continuously scrolled to trace the road, that is, when the scroll following the road is performed, the road name is set at a fixed point of the map data, so that the map is scrolled to some extent. If you proceed, the road name will not be displayed on the map.

  Moreover, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to know the direction names corresponding to the plurality of directions indicated by the plurality of cursors, the direction names are only scrolled in the directions indicated by the cursor. This is the name of the scroll destination. Therefore, when scrolling following a road, it is impossible to determine which of the direction names indicated by a plurality of cursors is the name of the scroll destination when scrolling following the road. It was. The direction in which the road that should be followed and that is currently displayed on the map extends is not always maintained in the scroll destination, that is, in the area that is not currently displayed, and the road shape changes greatly at the scroll destination. Because there is a possibility of doing.

  Here, if the map scale is switched from large scale to small scale and a wide area map is displayed, the road name of the road following the road and the direction name of the scroll destination when scrolling following the road are displayed. Is possible. However, in this case, since it takes time to switch the scale, it is difficult to quickly grasp the desired road name and direction name.

  That is, conventionally, when scrolling following a linear element on a map such as a road, related information related to the linear element such as a road name and a direction name of a scroll destination can be easily, quickly and reliably grasped. There was a problem that it was impossible.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and when scrolling following a linear element on a map, related information related to the linear element can be easily, quickly and reliably grasped. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a map display device that can improve convenience when scrolling.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a map display device according to the present invention indicates a predetermined area based on a map data storage device storing map data and the map data stored in the map data storage device. A map display processing device for displaying a map on a display unit, an operation device capable of an operation for scrolling the map, and the map display so as to scroll the map according to the operation by the operation device A map display device comprising a control device for controlling a processing device, wherein the continuous scrolling over a predetermined time by the operation of the operating device is performed in response to the continuous scrolling. based on the result of the control device has performed a scroll of the map, before by being continuously displayed in the traveling direction of the scroll in the continuous scrolling A linear element extraction device the first specific linear elements are capable extracted from the map data-following display on the map, if the first particular linear elements are extracted by the linear element extraction device A related information acquisition device that acquires first related information related to the extracted first specific linear element based on the map data stored in the map data storage device, and the related information acquisition device When the first related information is acquired by the above, the superimposed display of the first related information is displayed at a position corresponding to the first specific linear element on the map after the continuous scrolling. A related information display processing device to start, after the start of the superimposed display, the related information display processing device based on the result of the scroll after the continuous scroll, By one particular linear elements are displayed continuously in the traveling direction of scrolling is determined whether to continue the scroll made of it which is followed displayed on the map, positive determination result is obtained in this determination The first related information at a position corresponding to the first specific linear element on the map after the latest scroll after the continuous scroll following the start of the superimposed display. There continue to line the superimposition display, if a negative determination result in the determination is obtained, it is characterized by stopping the superimposed display.

And according to such composition, when performing scroll displayed following the first specific linear element, the first relation related to the first specific linear element acquired by the related information acquisition device Since the information can be superimposed and displayed at a position corresponding to the first specific linear element on the map being scrolled by the related information display processing device, the first related information can be grasped simply, quickly and reliably. As a result, the convenience of scrolling can be improved.

In addition, the intersection of the first specific linear element included in the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and displayed intersects with the end portion of the map on the scrolling direction side displayed in accordance with the first linear element is extracted. And the related information display processing device superimposes and displays the first related information near the intersection extracted by the first intersection extraction device on the map. Also good.

  And according to such a structure, when scrolling along the first specific linear element, the first related information can be displayed at a position on the map where the user is most likely to pay attention. The first related information can be grasped more quickly.

Further, the related information display processing device replaces the first related information displayed before the progress of the scroll in accordance with the progress of the scroll displayed following the first specific linear element. When the first related information to be newly displayed can be acquired, and the related information display processing device acquires the first related information to be newly displayed by the related information acquisition device. The acquired first related information may be newly displayed in place of the first related information that was displayed before the progress of the scroll.

According to such a configuration, the first related information to be displayed can be changed in accordance with the progress of the scroll displayed following the first specific linear element, so the first specific linear The first related information adapted to the progress of the scroll following the element can be displayed.

  Furthermore, the related information display processing device may display the first related information so as not to overlap the first specific linear element.

  And according to such a structure, the visibility of a 1st specific linear element is securable.

In addition, the linear element extraction device can extract a plurality of the first specific linear elements parallel to each other from the map data based on the result of the continuous scrolling, and the related information acquisition device includes: When the plurality of first specific linear elements are extracted by the linear element extraction device, the first related information related to each of the extracted first specific linear elements can be acquired. The related information display processing device is configured to perform the continuous scrolling when the related information acquisition device acquires the first related information related to each of the plurality of first specific linear elements. After the first related information starts to be superimposed on the map at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of first specific linear elements, and thereafter, the continuous scrolling is started. On the basis of the result of the scroll, the presence or absence of continuation of the scroll made of said plurality of first specific linear element is followed displayed on the map by being continuously displayed in the traveling direction of the scroll after In this determination, when a positive determination result is obtained for at least one first specific linear element of the plurality of first specific linear elements, the start of the superimposed display is continued. , The first associated with the first particular linear element at a position corresponding to the at least one first particular linear element on the map after the latest scroll after the successive scrolling. stomach continuously line the superimposed display of the related information, and when the determination negative determination result for all of the plurality of first particular linear elements in is obtained, said heavy The tatami mat display may be stopped .

According to such a configuration, when a scroll that is-following display in a plurality of first specific linear elements is performed, each of the first specific linear elements acquired by the related information acquisition device Since the first related information related to can be displayed, for example, it becomes easy to grasp the difference between a plurality of roads running parallel to each other such as a new road and an old road as a plurality of first specific linear elements. .

Furthermore, the first related information may include a name of a first direction of a scroll destination displayed following the first specific linear element.

And according to such a structure, when performing the scroll displayed following a 1st specific linear element, the name of a 1st direction can be grasped | ascertained simply, quickly and reliably.

Furthermore, the operation device can be operated to designate the scroll speed, and the control device controls the map display processing device to perform the scroll at a speed designated by the operation, In the related information acquisition device, the faster the scroll speed displayed following the first specific linear element based on the control, the faster the name of the first direction farther from the currently displayed map. May be obtained.

And according to such a structure, since the name of a 1st direction farther can be displayed, so that the speed of the scroll displayed following the 1st specific linear element is quick, scrolling can be advanced rapidly. Since the name of the first direction reflecting the user's psychology of wanting to quickly know the name of the first direction far away can be displayed, the convenience can be further improved.

  The map display processing device further includes a scale setting device that sets a scale of the map to be displayed, and the control device displays the map display processing so as to display the map of the scale set by the scale setting device. The related information acquisition device controls the device and acquires the name of the first direction farther from the currently displayed map as the scale set by the scale setting device is wider. May be.

  And according to such a structure, the name of the 1st direction suitable for a scale can be displayed in consideration of the scroll amount of the map for every unit scroll time according to the scale.

  Further, the first specific linear element may include at least one of a main road, a past trajectory, a navigation guidance route, a railway line, a route, a river, and a coastline.

  And according to such composition, various linear data which a user may follow at the time of scrolling can be made into the 1st specific linear element.

Furthermore, the first specific linear element includes at least a main road, and the first related information related to the main road includes a route name, a route number, and a name of the first direction. The name of the direction of the scroll destination displayed following the main road, the distance on the main road from the current location to the direction, the traffic information of the travel section on the main road from the current location to the direction, the number of lanes , At least one of road width, road gradient, and fuel consumption.

According to such a configuration, various items that are effective to be displayed when scrolling is displayed following the main road can be used as the first related information.

In addition, the name of the scroll destination displayed following the main road as the first specific linear element may include at least one of the administrative division name and the facility name.

And according to such a structure, the matter effective to display when performing the scroll displayed following a main road can be made into the name of a 1st direction.

  Further, the main road may include a highway, a toll road, a national road and a prefectural road.

  And according to such a structure, a road suitable as a main road can be extracted as a 1st specific linear element.

Furthermore, the first specific linear element includes at least a guidance route for navigation, and the first related information related to the guidance route includes a route name, a route number, and a name of the first direction. The name of the direction of the scroll destination displayed following the guidance route, the distance on the guidance route from the current location to the direction, the traffic information of the traveling section on the guidance route from the current location to the direction, the number of lanes, the road width , At least one of road gradient and fuel consumption may be included.

According to such a configuration, various items that can be effectively displayed when scrolling is displayed following the guidance route can be used as the first related information.

Moreover, the name of the direction of the scroll destination displayed following the guidance route as the first specific linear element may include at least one of the administrative division name and the facility name.

And according to such a structure, the item effective to display when performing the scroll displayed following a guidance route can be made into the name of a 1st direction.

Furthermore, the linear element extraction device may preferentially extract the guidance route from the map data as the first specific linear element from among a plurality of linear elements on the map.

According to such a configuration, when a guidance route is set, a guidance route that is highly likely to be a tracking target can be preferentially extracted from the map data as a first linear element. Therefore, it is possible to quickly display the first related information reflecting the user's intention.

Furthermore, the linear element extraction device is a linear element branched from the first specific linear element included in the map on which the first related information is to be displayed in a superimposed manner, and a branch point is included in the map. is capable extracted second specific linear element having the said map data, the related information acquisition device, when the second specific linear elements are extracted by said linear element extraction apparatus and extracted Second related information related to the second specific linear element is acquired based on the map data stored in the map data storage device, and the related information display processing device is operated by the related information acquisition device. When the second related information is acquired, the acquired second related information corresponds to the second specific linear element on the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and displayed. position Superimposed may be displayed.

According to such a configuration, when the second specific linear element is extracted from the map data , the display of the second related information related to the second specific linear element is displayed as the first. Since it can be performed in parallel with the display of the related information, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to change the linear element to be followed.

  A second intersection extraction device for extracting an intersection between the second specific linear element included in the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and an end of the map; The information display processing device may superimpose and display the second related information in the vicinity of the intersection extracted by the second intersection extraction device on the map.

  According to such a configuration, the second related information can be displayed at a position on the map where the user can easily recognize that the information is related to the second specific linear element. Related information can be grasped quickly.

  Furthermore, the related information display processing device may display the second related information so as not to overlap the second specific linear element.

  And according to such a structure, the visibility of a 2nd specific linear element is securable.

Furthermore, the second related information may include a name of a second direction of a scroll destination displayed following the second specific linear element.

  And according to such composition, the name of the 2nd field can be grasped simply, quickly, and surely.

  The map display processing device further includes a scale setting device that sets a scale of the map to be displayed, and the control device displays the map display processing so as to display the map of the scale set by the scale setting device. The related information acquisition device controls the device, and as the scale set by the scale setting device is wider, the name of the second direction farther from the currently displayed map is acquired. May be.

  And according to such a structure, the display of the name of the 2nd direction suitable for the scale can be performed in consideration of the scroll amount of the map for every unit scroll time according to the scale.

  Further, the second specific linear element may include at least one of a main road, a past trajectory, a navigation guidance route, a railway line, a route, a river, and a coastline.

  And according to such a structure, the various linear data which a user may select as a tracking target after a change from a 1st specific linear element can be made into a 2nd specific linear element. .

Furthermore, the second specific linear element includes at least a main road, and the second related information corresponding to the main road includes a route name, a route number, and a name of the second direction. The name of the direction of the scroll destination displayed following the main road, the distance on the main road from the current location to the direction, the traffic information of the travel section on the main road from the current location to the direction, the number of lanes , At least one of road width, road gradient, and fuel consumption.

  According to such a configuration, various items that are effective to be displayed can be used as the second related information.

In addition, the name of the scroll destination displayed following the main road as the second specific linear element may include at least one of the administrative division name and the facility name.

  And according to such a structure, the matter which is effective to display can be made into the name of a 2nd direction.

Further, the related information display processing device displays the first related information in a state that can be selected by an operation of the operation device, and the control device, when the first related information is selected, You may control the said map display processing apparatus so that the automatic scroll displayed following the said 1st specific linear element corresponding to the said 1st relevant information may be performed.

According to such a configuration, with the selection of the first related information, it is possible to perform automatic scroll, which is followed displayed on the first particular linear elements, reduce the operation load of the user can do.

According to the present invention, when scrolling is displayed following a linear element on a map, related information related to the linear element can be grasped simply, quickly, and surely. Can be improved.

The block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention The block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the transition state of a map screen in 1st Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows 1st Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the transition state of a map screen in 2nd Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the display state of a map screen in 3rd Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention. In 4th Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention, the 1st schematic diagram which shows the display state of a map screen In 4th Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention, the 2nd schematic diagram which shows the display state of a map screen The schematic diagram which shows the transition state of a map screen in 5th Embodiment of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the display state of a map screen as a modification of the map display apparatus which concerns on this invention

(First embodiment)
A map display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows an in-vehicle navigation device having a map display function as an example of a map display device according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation apparatus 1 in this embodiment is roughly divided into a navigation main unit 2, a GPS receiver 3, an autonomous navigation sensor 4, and an operation unit as an operation apparatus connected to the navigation main unit 2, respectively. 5. It is comprised by the display 6 and the speaker 7 as a display part.

  Here, the GPS receiver 3 receives GPS information (information on time and orbit) distributed from a GPS satellite (not shown), and outputs the received GPS information to the navigation main unit 2 side.

  The autonomous navigation sensor 4 detects the vehicle speed, acceleration (angular velocity), own vehicle direction, and the like of the host vehicle, and outputs the detection result to the navigation main unit 2 side. The autonomous navigation sensor 4 may be a vehicle speed sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like.

  Furthermore, the operation unit 5 can perform various operations on the navigation device 1 by inputting an operation signal corresponding to the operation content to the navigation main unit 2. The operation unit 5 may be a remote control, a touch panel of the display 6 or the like.

  Next, the navigation main unit 2 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation main unit 2 includes a navigation CPU 10 connected to the system bus 8, a hard disk drive (HDD) 11 as a map data storage device, a flash A memory 12, a RAM 14, a user interface (I / F) 15, an image interface (I / F) 16, and an audio interface (I / F) 17 are provided.

  Here, the navigation CPU 10 executes various functions of the navigation device 1 such as a vehicle position detection function, a map display function, a route search function, a route guidance function, and a search function.

  The hard disk drive 11 stores map data. The map data is from the lowest level (level 0) indicating the most detailed map to the highest level (for example, level 2) indicating the simplest map. The map data at each level is managed in units of parcels having a size corresponding to each level.

  This map data includes road data, background data, route calculation data (road network data, etc.), and facility search data (POI data, address information, etc.).

  Among these, the road data has link data for each road section indicating a road section between two intersections (nodes), and each link data includes a link ID, start node coordinates, end node coordinates, It includes shape interpolation point coordinates, road names (including route numbers), traffic conditions (such as speed limits), width information, lane number information, altitude information, gradient information, and fuel efficiency information. The link data is handled by being integrated into one between the road sections adjacent to each other as the management level of the map data becomes higher.

  The background data is composed of polygon data, polyline data, text data, etc., and this background data is the shape and name of administrative divisions such as municipalities, roads, railways, buildings, parks, rivers and coastlines. Alternatively, it is used for displaying symbols and the like. The polygon data, polyline data, and text data have preset (fixed) positions and ranges on the map data. More specifically, polygon data and polyline data are defined by coordinate point groups in a coordinate system (for example, a parcel normalized coordinate system) on map data in order to specify the shape and size on the map data. ing. This coordinate point group may be the coordinates of the ends of the unit line elements (segments) constituting the outer shape of the polygon or the polyline. Furthermore, the polygon data and the polyline data are managed in a state in which they are associated with types (so-called display classes) such as administrative divisions, railways, and rivers. Furthermore, the text data is managed in a state of being associated with polygon data or polyline data as polygon names or polyline names such as administrative division names, river names, station names, interchange names, gas station names, and tourist destination names.

  Further, the hard disk drive 11 stores an execution program for the navigation CPU 10.

  Furthermore, the flash memory 12 stores an execution program of the navigation CPU 10 that is read from the hard disk drive 11 by the navigation CPU 10 when the navigation device 1 is activated, and the stored execution program is stored in the navigation CPU 10. As a result, the various functions of the navigation device 1 are appropriately executed.

  The RAM 14 is used for temporarily storing various data such as processing results by the navigation CPU 10.

  Furthermore, an operation unit 5, a display 6, and a speaker 7 are connected to the user interface 15, the image interface 16, and the audio interface 17, respectively.

  Next, the navigation CPU 10 will be described in further detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a vehicle position calculation unit 20 as one of its functional blocks. The GPS information output from the GPS receiver 3 and the detection result output from the autonomous navigation sensor 4 are input. And the own vehicle position calculation part 20 performs the satellite navigation which calculates (measures) an own vehicle position as an absolute coordinate based on the GPS information input from the GPS receiver 3 side. In addition, the vehicle position calculation unit 20 performs autonomous navigation that calculates the vehicle position as a relative position that is a change from the previous positioning position, based on the detection result input from the autonomous navigation sensor 4 side. It has become. Furthermore, the own vehicle position calculation unit 20 uses the map data stored in the hard disk drive 11 to correct the own vehicle position detected by satellite navigation or autonomous navigation to the corresponding position on the road in the map data. Map matching processing is performed. When the map matching process is properly performed, the own vehicle position calculation unit 20 uses the own vehicle position after the map matching process as a final calculation result.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a destination setting unit 21 as one of its functional blocks. The destination setting unit 21 displays various operation screens for setting a navigation destination on the display 6 and then responds to a user input operation using the operation unit 5 with respect to the displayed operation screen. The destination is set.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a route search unit 22 as one of its functional blocks. The route search unit 22 is preset based on the map data stored in the hard disk drive 11 from the vehicle position calculated by the vehicle position calculation unit 20 to the destination set by the destination setting unit 21. The optimum route according to the route search condition is searched. The route search condition may be set by default, or may be set by an input operation using the operation unit 5 by the user. The route search unit 22 presents the searched optimum route to the user as a guide route candidate by display on the display 6.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a route guidance unit 23 as one of its functional blocks. When an input operation using the operation unit 5 for setting the optimum route presented by the route search unit 22 is performed, the route guidance unit 23 sets the optimum route as the guidance route. ing. The setting of the guide route may be performed by storing information on the guide route, for example, link data and a destination in the RAM 14 or the like. The route guiding unit 23 starts route guidance according to the set guidance route after setting the guidance route. The route guidance is performed by displaying an enlarged view of the intersection on the display 6 or by outputting a voice for turning right and left at the intersection via the speaker 7.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a map drawing unit 24 as a map display processing device as one of its functional blocks. The map drawing unit 24 generates a map showing a predetermined area (region) based on the map data stored in the hard disk drive 11. For example, this map specifies a parcel corresponding to each display condition of display position, scale, and screen size, reads map data corresponding to the specified parcel from the hard disk drive 11 onto the RAM 14, and reads the read map data May be generated as a map showing the periphery of the display position by performing coordinate conversion (for example, coordinate conversion from the parcel normalized coordinate system to the screen coordinate system). The map drawing unit 24 displays the generated map on the display 6. The map also includes a map (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle surrounding map) showing a predetermined region around the vehicle position calculated by the vehicle position calculation unit 20 as the predetermined region. In the own vehicle position surrounding map, the display position is the own vehicle position.

  Further, the map drawing unit 24 allows an operation (hereinafter referred to as a scroll mode setting operation) using the operation unit 5 for setting the display mode of the map as a scroll mode in which the map can be scrolled. A map with a screen function is displayed. The scroll mode setting operation may be, for example, an operation of selecting an operation button that instructs to start scrolling, an operation of continuously pressing a map screen having a touch panel function for a certain period of time, or the like.

  The map drawing unit 24 is an operation screen that allows an operation (hereinafter referred to as a scroll operation) using the operation unit 5 for scrolling the map as a map in which the scroll mode is set by the scroll mode setting operation. A map with the function of is displayed. This map may be a map with display of a cursor that indicates a direction in which a scroll operation is possible. In addition, the directions in which the scroll operation (scrolling) is possible may be a total of eight directions of up / down, left / right, upper right, lower right, upper left and lower left with respect to the screen.

  Further, the map drawing unit 24 may display a map having a function as an operation screen that allows an operation using the operation unit 5 for changing the scale as the map.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 includes a map drawing control unit 25 as a control device as one of its functional blocks. The map drawing control unit 25 sets the display mode of the map by the map drawing unit 24 to the scroll mode in accordance with the scroll mode setting operation by the operation unit 5.

  In addition, the map drawing control unit 25 controls the map drawing unit 24 so as to scroll the map according to the scroll operation by the operation unit 5 with respect to the map set in the scroll mode. In accordance with this control, the map drawing unit 24 scrolls the map. In the scroll, the process of identifying adjacent parcels adjacent to the parcel corresponding to the current display position in the direction indicated in the scroll operation, reading the identified adjacent parcels, and displaying the map is performed as the scroll operation proceeds. It is done by repeating with it.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a scale setting unit 26 as a scale setting device as one of its functional blocks. The scale setting unit 26 is configured to set a scale corresponding to a scale change operation using the default or the operation unit 5. Then, the map drawing control unit 25 controls the map drawing unit 24 so as to display the map of the scale set by the scale setting unit 26, and is set by the map drawing unit 24 according to this control. A scaled map is displayed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a linear element extraction unit 27 as a linear element extraction device as one of its functional blocks. The linear element extraction unit 27 performs continuous scrolling based on the result of continuous scrolling when the map drawing unit 24 performs continuous scrolling for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). The first specific linear element on the map that has been displayed in a follow-up manner on the map (hereinafter referred to as “follow-up”) is extracted by being continuously displayed in the direction of scrolling .

  In the present embodiment, as the first specific linear element, on the assumption that the scale of the map is somewhat large (detailed), only a part of the linear element is displayed on the map when the map is displayed. Linear data having a certain length such that the displayed portion of the linear element can be sequentially changed in the tracking direction side as the scrolling following the linear element progresses. Assumed. Therefore, when the continuous scrolling is performed, an undisplayed portion of the first specific linear element also exists. However, in the present embodiment, when extracting the first specific linear element, the linear element extraction unit 27 extracts the first specific linear element as a whole including the undisplayed portion. ing. Note that the linear element extraction unit 27 indicates that there is an undisplayed part on the side of the scrolling direction following the first specific linear element, in other words, the completion of the continuous scrolling. On the condition that the end of the map at the time and the scroll direction side intersect, linear data that satisfies this condition may be extracted.

  In addition, as a standard that is regarded as “continuous” in the continuous scrolling, a suitable standard can be determined according to the concept. For example, not only when there is no scroll stop time in the middle, but also when there is a slight scroll stop time (for example, less than 1 second) in the middle, it may be treated as “continuous”. Furthermore, the start time of the predetermined time may be a scroll start time.

  Here, for example, the linear element extraction unit 27 sequentially buffers the map data scroll-displayed on the display 6 during the predetermined time every unit change (for example, a predetermined distance change in the scroll direction). The first specific linear element may be extracted from each buffered map data according to a predetermined extraction method set in advance. Note that the map data after the first buffered map data at the time of this extraction may be difference data indicating the amount of change from the first buffered map data.

  More specifically, the linear element extraction unit 27 may extract a main road as the first specific linear element. In this case, the linear element extraction unit 27, for example, has the same road identification information (for example, a route number or a highway name) included in any of the map data buffered for each unit change described above. ) Is searched for each link, and the entire main road (link string) including the undisplayed part is linked to the same road identification information corresponding to each link detected by this search. All may be extracted.

  Examples of main roads include highways, toll roads, national roads, and prefectural roads.

  Further, the linear element extraction unit 27 may extract a linear background such as a railway line, a river, a coastline, a ferry, and an aircraft route as the first specific linear element other than the main road. In this case, the linear element extraction unit 27, for example, the same coordinate point associated with the same linear background as included in any of the map data buffered for each unit change described above. Each coordinate point belonging to the group may be searched, and the entire linear background (polyline data) may be extracted in association with the same coordinate point group corresponding to each coordinate point detected by the search.

  Furthermore, the linear element extraction unit 27 may extract a past traveling locus of the host vehicle as a past traffic locus as the first specific linear element. In this case, for example, the linear element extraction unit 27 is associated with past travel loci of the same own vehicle that are included in any of the map data buffered for each unit change described above. A link may be searched, and the entire travel locus (link string) may be extracted in association with each link detected by the search. In this case, however, the navigation CPU 10 records the travel locus of the vehicle calculated by autonomous navigation or the like in association with each link constituting the travel locus on the hard disk drive 11 or the like in accordance with a user operation. (A so-called route banking function) and a function of displaying the recorded travel locus on the display 6 in accordance with a user operation when displaying a map are required.

  Furthermore, the linear element extraction unit 27 may extract the guide route as the first specific linear element. In this case, for example, the linear element extraction unit 27 searches for links on the guidance route that are included in any of the map data buffered for each unit change described above, and is detected by this search. The entire guidance route may be extracted in association with the result of setting the guidance route corresponding to each link. In addition, the function of displaying the guidance route on the map has been conventionally provided in the navigation device as standard, and in such a state where the guidance route is set and displayed, the user can scroll by following the guidance route. It is expected that the possibility of performing the above is higher than the case where other linear data is set as the tracking target.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has a related information acquisition unit 28 as a related information acquisition device as one of its functional blocks. When the first specific linear element is extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27, the related information acquisition unit 28 stores the first related information related to the extracted first specific linear element as the hard disk drive 11 is acquired based on the map data stored in 11.

  At this time, the related information acquisition unit 28 converts the predetermined first related information corresponding to the type of the first specific linear element extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 into a predetermined acquisition method set in advance. Therefore, it only has to be acquired.

  For example, when the main road as the first specific linear element is extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27, the related information acquisition unit 28 uses the route as the first related information related to the main road. Name, route number, name of the destination of the scrolling destination following the main road (in other words, a hidden area or place that should be displayed in the future by continuing scrolling following the main road), current location The distance on the main road from the road to the area, the traffic information of the travel section on the main road from the current location to the area, the number of lanes, the road width, the road gradient, the fuel consumption, and the like may be acquired.

  In this case, the route name, route number, number of lanes, road width, road gradient, and fuel consumption are directly acquired from the extracted main road as information included in the link data corresponding to the extracted main road. be able to. Such related information may be acquired based on link data corresponding to the currently displayed road section of the main roads extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27.

  Furthermore, as the name of the direction, the administrative division name and facility name of the scroll destination following the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 can be mentioned. In addition, as a facility name, a station name, an interchange name, a gas station name, a sightseeing place name, etc. can be mentioned. The name of this direction is one mode of the name of the first direction of the scroll destination following the first specific linear element.

  Here, since the direction name is different from the information included in the link data, it may be acquired by an acquisition method different from the route name or the like.

  For example, as the method by which the related information acquisition unit 28 acquires the administrative division name as the name of the direction, for example, the following method can be considered.

  That is, first, the link corresponding to the end portion on the scroll direction side in the road section displayed on the map at the time of extraction of the main road among the main roads extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 is searched. Identifies as a starting link.

  Next, based on the polygon data belonging to the classification (display class) of the administrative division, from the search start link, the scroll direction following the main road is set as the search progress direction, and the road section of the scroll destination in the main road That is, a boundary point between polygon data adjacent to each other such as existing on the road section is searched by tracing an undisplayed road section to be scrolled in the future. In this search, each link constituting the road section of the scroll destination is sequentially set as a search execution link sequentially from the search start link side, and the boundary point is set for each set search execution link. You can search for the items in sequence. At this time, the boundary point may be detected as a unit line element (segment) that defines the outer shape of polygon data that intersects the search execution link. In this search, a plurality of sets of polygon data adjacent to each other may exist on the road section of the scroll destination, and a plurality of boundary points may be sequentially detected accordingly. Further, such a search for boundary points may be performed up to a link corresponding to the end of the main road.

  Next, among the adjacent polygon data (may be plural) corresponding to the boundary point (which may be plural) thus detected, the first detected in the search The polygon data is narrowed down by excluding one polygon data located on the search start link side with respect to the boundary point. Note that one excluded polygon data is regarded as polygon data corresponding to the administrative division to which the road section displayed at the time of extraction of the main road in the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 belongs. Can do. That is, the administrative district corresponding to such polygon data is the administrative district itself to which the currently displayed map belongs, and is excluded from the polygon data because it is not suitable as the administrative district of the scroll destination. A plurality of narrowed polygon data may exist.

  And the polygon name (text data) matched with the polygon data narrowed down in this way is acquired as an administrative section name.

  Here, when there are a plurality of narrowed-down polygon data, that is, the main roads extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 go to the scrolling direction following this, the boundary points between a plurality of sets of administrative divisions are determined. When sequentially passing, one polygon data may be selected from a plurality of narrowed-down polygon data according to a predetermined priority order. Then, the administrative district name associated with the selected single polygon data may be acquired. For example, if you want to display the far-distance (away) scroll-destination administrative district name on the currently displayed map, it corresponds to the polygon data corresponding to the boundary point detected in the search in the later order. What is necessary is just to acquire the attached administrative division name. More specific examples will be described later.

  Moreover, as the method by which the related information acquisition unit 28 acquires the facility name as the name of the direction, for example, the following method can be considered.

  That is, first, the link corresponding to the end portion on the scroll direction side in the road section displayed on the map at the time of extraction of the main road among the main roads extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 is searched. Identifies as a starting link.

  Next, based on the polygon data belonging to the facility classification, the scroll direction following the main road is traced from the search start link as the search progress direction, and the scroll destination road section of the main road is traced. Then, polygon data that exists within a predetermined distance in the link normal direction from each link constituting the road section is searched. In this search, each link constituting the road section of the scroll destination is sequentially set as a search execution link from the search start link side, and the polygon data is set for each set search execution link. You can search for the items in sequence. The polygon data detected earlier by this search becomes the polygon data corresponding to the facility located closer to the currently displayed map.

  And the polygon name (text data) matched with the polygon data detected in this way is acquired as a facility name. It should be noted that, as in the case of the administrative section name, for example, when it is desired to display the facility name of the scroll destination farther from the currently displayed map, the polygon detected by the search is late. What is necessary is just to acquire the facility name corresponding to data.

  As another method for acquiring the name of the direction, the name of the direction is obtained from the direction information (traffic signboard) associated with the node belonging to the road section of the scroll destination in the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27. A method of obtaining is conceivable.

  Further, in order to obtain the distance on the main road from the current location to the direction, the name of the direction is acquired and the own vehicle travels on the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27. It is a premise that. Under such a premise, the distance is acquired as the distance on the main road from the vehicle position to the point corresponding to the name of the direction on the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27. Can do.

  For example, when the direction is an administrative division, the distance is from the vehicle position to the boundary point on the search start link side in the polygon data corresponding to the administrative division name (that is, the point corresponding to the administrative division name). It can be acquired as the distance on the main road (the distance on the map data) extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27. When the direction is a facility, the distance is the distance on the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 from the own vehicle position to the search execution link that detected the polygon data corresponding to the facility ( (Distance on map data).

  Furthermore, in order to acquire traffic information of the travel section on the main road from the current location to the direction, first, as a premise, the navigation device 1 distributes traffic information such as a beacon receiver or an FM multiplex receiver. A traffic information receiving device that receives traffic information sequentially distributed by a system (for example, VICS: Vehicle Information and Communication System) is provided. The traffic information receiving device may be configured to input the received traffic information to the navigation CPU 10 while being connected to the navigation main unit 2. The traffic information distributed by the distribution system is associated with the link ID of the corresponding road section. Further, in order to acquire such traffic information, it is further assumed that the name of the direction is acquired and that the vehicle is traveling on the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27. Become. On this assumption, the related information acquisition unit 28 determines the vehicle position on the main road extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27 from the latest traffic information received by the traffic information receiving device, What is necessary is just to acquire the traffic information matched with link ID of the link which comprises the road area between the points corresponding to the name of the acquired direction.

  In addition to this, when the guide route as the first specific linear element is extracted by, for example, the linear element extraction unit 27, the related information acquisition unit 28 first information related to the guide route. As described above, information similar to the first related information related to the main road described above may be acquired. That is, in this case, the route name of the currently displayed road in the guidance route, the route number of the currently displayed road in the guidance route, the name of the scroll destination following the guidance route, the current location from the current location The distance on the guide route, the traffic information of the travel section on the guide route from the current location to the direction, the number of road lanes currently displayed on the guide route, road width, road gradient, fuel consumption, etc. May be. As a method for acquiring such information, a method similar to that for the first related information related to the main road may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 includes a related information drawing unit 29 as a related information display processing device. The related information drawing unit 29, when the first related information is acquired by the related information acquisition unit 28, at a position corresponding to the first specific linear element on the map after the continuous scrolling, The superimposed display of the acquired first related information is started. The map at the time when the superimposed display of the first related information is started may be a map at the time when the continuous scrolling is completed, or the time required for obtaining the first related information ( In consideration of the time lag), the map may be a map after scrolling following the first specific linear element by a predetermined change from the map at the time when the continuous scrolling is completed.

  Further, after the start of the superimposed display, the related information acquisition unit 28 determines whether or not to continue the scroll following the first specific linear element based on the result of the scroll after the continuous scroll. (Hereinafter referred to as follow-up determination). The follow-up continuation determination is repeatedly performed as the scroll progresses, provided that a positive determination result is obtained in the previous follow-up continuation determination.

  Then, when a positive determination result is obtained in the follow-up continuation determination, the related information acquisition unit 28 continues the start of the superimposed display on the map after the latest scroll after the continuous scroll. The superimposed display of the first related information is continuously performed at the position corresponding to the first specific linear element.

  Here, for example, the following method can be considered as a more specific method for realizing the continuous superimposed display of the first related information by the related information acquisition unit 28.

  That is, first, when the subsequent scroll is performed following the continuous scroll, buffering of the result of the subsequent scroll is started. Then, when the subsequent scroll is performed on the map at the time when the continuous scrolling is completed by a unit change (for example, a predetermined distance change in the scroll direction), after the subsequent scroll corresponding to the unit change. It is determined whether or not a part of the first specific linear element that is not included in the map at the time when the continuous scrolling is completed is newly included in the first map (first time) Follow-up judgment of). When a positive determination result is obtained in the first follow-up determination, the first specific linearity in the subsequent scroll map corresponding to the unit change, that is, the latest scroll map at the present time The first continuous superimposed display of the first related information (that is, the superimposed display immediately after the start of the superimposed display) is performed at the position corresponding to the element.

  Then, subsequent to the subsequent scroll for the unit change, when the subsequent scroll is performed for the unit change for the map after the scroll for the unit change, the further subsequent for the unit change. The scrolled map newly includes a portion that was not included in the subsequent scrolled map of the unit change of the first specific linear element and the map at the time of completion of the continuous scrolling. It is determined whether or not it has become possible (second follow-up continuation determination). When a positive determination result is obtained in the second follow-up continuation determination, the first specified specific map in the subsequent scroll map corresponding to the unit change, that is, the map after the latest scroll at the present time. The second continuous superimposed display of the first related information is performed at the position corresponding to the linear element.

  Thereafter, the continuous superimposed display may be repeated in the same manner as the first and second continuous superimposed displays.

  The related information drawing unit 29 may display the first related information acquired by the related information acquisition unit 28 after changing the expression format as necessary. For example, the route name and route number may be displayed in the same expression format “National Highway XX”, but the name of the direction is displayed with words such as “To” and “Direction” attached. It is desirable. For example, when “XX (city)” is acquired as an administrative division name as an example of the name of the direction, the name of this direction should be displayed as “To XX” or “XX direction”. Is desirable. The same applies when a facility name such as a station name or a sightseeing spot name is acquired as the name of the direction.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the navigation CPU 10 has an intersection extraction unit 30 as a first intersection extraction device as one of its functional blocks. The intersection extraction unit 30 includes a first specific linear element included in a map on which the first related information is to be superimposed (that is, a map on which superimposed display is to be started or continuously superimposed). An intersection that intersects with the end of the map is extracted on the side of the following scroll direction. The extraction of the intersection is continuously performed with the progress of the scroll following the first specific linear element.

  Then, when the intersection extraction unit 30 extracts the intersection, the related information drawing unit 29 displays the first related information near the intersection on the map on which the first specific information is to be superimposed and displayed. The display is superimposed and displayed in a display mode (for example, size or inclination) that does not overlap the linear element. Note that when the intersection is not extracted, the first related information may not be superimposed and displayed. As an example of the case where the intersection is not extracted, there is a case where the end of the first specific linear element on the scroll direction side is included in the map as the scroll progresses. .

  According to such a configuration, when performing scrolling following the first specific linear element, the first related information related to the first specific linear element acquired by the related information acquisition unit 28 is Since the related information drawing unit 29 can superimpose and display the position corresponding to the first specific linear element on the map being scrolled, that is, in the vicinity of the intersection, the first related information can be grasped quickly and reliably. Can do. At this time, since it is not necessary to switch the map scale to a small scale, there are great operational advantages.

  In the present embodiment, the operation unit 5 can be operated to specify the scrolling speed, and the map drawing control unit 25 recognizes that the operation has been performed, and then performs the operation set in advance. The map drawing unit 24 may be controlled so as to perform scrolling at a speed specified in the operation based on data indicating a correspondence relationship between the contents and the scrolling speed. Here, various known techniques can be applied as the operation for designating the scroll speed. For example, on a map screen in scroll mode, a normal scrolling speed is specified by performing a touch operation of the touch panel on the center of the screen, and a high-speed scrolling speed is specified by performing a touch operation on the vicinity of the screen edge. Also good. Alternatively, it may be specified that the scrolling speed in the same direction is increased by continuing the scrolling operation in the same direction. The scroll speed may be set, for example, as the amount of map data (number of parcels) to be read from the hard disk drive 11 in accordance with the scroll operation per unit time.

  And on such a premise, the related information acquisition part 28 followed the 1st specific linear element in the time (for example, the time when the 1st specific linear element was extracted) which should acquire the name of a direction. As the scrolling speed (speed set based on the control of the map drawing control unit 25) is faster, the name of the farther direction with respect to the currently displayed map may be acquired.

  In addition, as to how far the direction name should be acquired with respect to the currently displayed map, for example, the speed of scrolling and the detection result of the search execution link to be used for acquiring the name of the direction in advance. A correspondence relationship (correspondence table) with the detection order for (the boundary point or polygon data) may be set in the hard disk drive 11 or the like and determined based on this correspondence relationship. In this case, the lower detection order may be assigned as the scroll speed is lower, and the lower detection order may be assigned as the scroll speed is higher. In addition, the item of the detection order corresponding to each speed in the corresponding relationship indicates, for example, the ratio of the total detection order such as the leading side 1/3, the central side 1/3, and the trailing side 1/3. It may be a thing. In this case, the detection order corresponding to the scrolling speed at the time when the direction name should be acquired is extracted from the correspondence relationship, and the name of the direction corresponding to the detection result of the search execution link corresponding to the extracted detection order Just get it.

  If comprised in this way, the name of the direction which reflected the user's psychology which wants to know the name of a distant direction quickly by advancing scrolling rapidly can be displayed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the related information acquisition unit 28 acquires the name of a farther direction with respect to the currently displayed map as the scale set by the scale setting unit 26 is wider (smaller). May be. As in the case of the scrolling speed described above, how far away the name of the direction should be obtained with respect to the currently displayed map is, for example, used in advance for obtaining the scale and the name of the direction. A correspondence relationship with the detection order of the search execution link detection result (the boundary point or polygon data) to be performed may be set in the hard disk drive 11 or the like and determined based on this correspondence relationship. In this case, the detection order on the head side may be assigned as the scale is larger, and the detection order on the tail side may be assigned as the scale is smaller.

  If comprised in this way, the name of the direction suitable for a scale can be displayed in consideration of the scroll amount of the map for every unit scroll time according to the scale.

  Next, FIGS. 3A to 3F show the transition state of the map screen when scrolling following the road as the first specific linear element as a specific operation example of the present embodiment. It is a thing. The arrows in each figure indicate the direction of scrolling accompanying the scrolling operation when the map screen of each figure is displayed (in other words, immediately after being displayed). In each embodiment described later other than the present embodiment, an arrow similar to that in FIG. 3 may be shown in the corresponding figure. The meaning of the arrow is the same as that in FIG. It is the same.

In the operation example of FIG. 3, first, in FIG. 3A, the user uses the operation unit 5 to mark the vehicle position mark on the vehicle surrounding map 32 displayed on the display 6 by the map drawing unit 24. A scroll operation following a _single road R ₁ extending in the right direction of the screen from the vehicle position P ₁ indicated by the vehicle is started, and the scroll operation is continuously performed for a predetermined time.

Next, in response to such a continuous scrolling operation, the map drawing unit 24 displays a scrolled map screen 33 as shown in FIG. 3B under the control of the map drawing control unit 25. At this time, the road R ₁ is extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27, the road name of the road R _{1 and} the name of the scroll destination are acquired by the related information acquisition unit 28, and the road R ₁ and the right end of the map by the intersection extraction unit 30 in terms of (scrolling direction side end portion) and the intersection P ₂ of the extraction is performed, the relevant information drawing unit 29, in the vicinity of the intersection P ₂ of the right end portion and the road R ₁ map 33, the first The related information “National highway No. 6 Mito Kaido / Shimatsudo” is superimposed and displayed. Here, “National Route 6 Mito Kaido” is a route name including a route number. “Shimatsudo” is the name of the scroll destination along the road.

Then, from the state of FIG. 3 (b), further, when to continue the scroll which follows the road _{R 1,} as shown in FIG. 3 (c) ~ (f) , the map after scrolling 34, 35, 36, Superimposed display of “National highway No. 6 Mito Kaido / To Matsudo” is continuously performed at positions near the intersections P ₃ , P ₄ , P ₅ , and P ₆ of the end of 37 and the road R ₁ .

  Next, more specific steps of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the initial state of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the map drawing unit 24 displays the map around the host vehicle, but has not started scrolling the map.

  Then, from the initial state, first, in step 1 (ST1) of FIG. 4, whether the linear map extraction unit 27 has continuously scrolled the map for a predetermined time based on the scroll result by the map drawing unit 24. Determine whether or not. If a positive determination result is obtained in step 1 (ST1), the process proceeds to step 2 (ST2). If a negative determination result is obtained, step 1 (ST1) is repeated. .

  Next, in step 2 (ST2), the linear element extraction unit 27 extracts the first specific linear element by the above-described method based on the result of continuous scrolling detected in step 1 (ST1). .

  Next, in step 3 (ST3), the related information acquisition unit 28 determines whether or not the first specific linear element is extracted in step 2 (ST2). When a positive determination result is obtained in step 3 (ST3), the process proceeds to step 4 (ST4), and when a negative determination result is obtained, the process is terminated. When the process is terminated, only the normal scrolled map without the superimposed display of the first related information is displayed on the display 6.

  Next, in step 4 (ST4), the related information acquisition unit 28 acquires the first related information by the method described above.

  Next, in step 5 (ST5), the related information drawing unit 29 determines whether or not the first related information is acquired in step 4 (ST4). If a positive determination result is obtained in step 5 (ST5), the process proceeds to step 6 (ST6). If a negative determination result is obtained, the process ends. In addition, as an example of a case where a negative determination result is obtained, when trying to acquire the name of the administrative district of the scroll destination following the main road as the first related information, the undisplayed road section on the road Are all belonging to the same administrative division as the administrative division to which the currently displayed map belongs.

  Next, in step 6 (ST6), the intersection extraction unit 30 detects the end of the map after the continuous scrolling detected in step 1 (ST1) and the first specific extracted in step 2 (ST2). The intersection point on the side of the scroll direction with the linear element is extracted. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the intersection point is extracted.

  Next, in step 7 (ST7), the related information drawing unit 29 displays the first related information acquired in step 4 (ST4) on the map after the continuous scrolling detected in step 1 (ST1). Are superimposed and displayed in the vicinity of the intersection extracted in step 6 (ST6). In this manner, the superimposed display of the first related information on the map after continuous scrolling is started.

  Next, in step 8 (ST8), the related information drawing unit 29 performs follow-up continuation determination on the latest scrolled map at the present time by the method described above. If a positive determination result is obtained in step 8 (ST8), the process proceeds to step 9 (ST9). If a negative determination result is obtained, the process proceeds to step 11 (ST11). .

  Here, if the process proceeds to step 9 (ST9), the intersection extraction unit 30 in step 9 (ST9) determines the end of the latest scrolled map used for the determination in step 8 (ST8). Then, the intersection of the scroll direction with the first specific linear element extracted in step 2 (ST2) is extracted, and the process proceeds to step 10 (ST10). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the intersection point is extracted.

  Next, in step 10 (ST10), the related information drawing unit 29 displays the first related information acquired in step 4 (ST4) on the latest scrolled map used for the determination in step 8 (ST8). Are superimposed and displayed in the vicinity of the intersection extracted in step 9 (ST9), and the process returns to step 8 (ST8). In this way, continuous superimposed display of the first related information is performed.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step 11 (ST11), in this step 11 (ST11), the related information drawing unit 29 stops the superimposed display of the first related information and ends the process.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 by limiting to differences from the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the related information acquisition unit 28 is newly replaced with the first related information displayed before the progress of the scroll in accordance with the progress of the scroll following the first specific linear element. The first related information to be displayed can be acquired.

  Then, when the first related information to be newly displayed is extracted by the related information acquisition unit 28, the related information drawing unit 29 displays the extracted first related information before the progress of the scroll. Instead of the first related information that has been displayed, it is newly displayed.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the first association related to the first specific linear element on the map that has been displayed so far by scrolling following the first specific linear element proceeds. When the new first related information that conflicts with the information becomes related to the first specific linear element on the map after scrolling, the new first related information is acquired and is used. Instead of the first related information so far, it is newly displayed.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, a road whose name changes according to a section even if it is a major road with the same route number (a road regarded as the same in the present embodiment) or the same major road Even when there is a scroll following a road where the number of lanes, road width, or road gradient changes according to the section, it is possible to acquire and display appropriate first related information according to the section. . In addition to this, when performing scrolling following the guidance route, it is naturally assumed that the route name etc. may differ depending on the section on the guidance route. Appropriate first related information according to the current section can be displayed.

More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), line numbers have been made scrolling follows the road R ₂ "6 National highway", the first relating to the road R ₂ It is assumed that “National Route 6 Edo-dori”, which is the name of the main road, is acquired as related information and is superimposed on the map 38. Then, by further scrolling following the road R ₂ from the state of FIG. 5A, a link whose road R ₂ is named “National Route 6 Mito Kaido” is newly added to the scrolled map. Suppose it is included. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, the new information acquired by the related information drawing unit 29 after acquiring the new official name “National Route 6 Mito Kaido” by the related information acquiring unit 28. The route names are superimposed on the scrolled map 39 in place of those displayed in FIG.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 by limiting to differences from the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, when the linear element extraction unit 27 performs the continuous scrolling, a plurality of first specific linear elements that are parallel to each other are mapped to the same map by the same method as in the first embodiment. It can be extracted from the top at the same time. That is, in the present embodiment, when the plurality of first specific linear elements are included in the result of the continuous scrolling, all of the plurality of first specific linear elements are extracted. ing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the plurality of first specific linear elements are extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27, the related information acquisition unit 28 is extracted by the same method as in the first embodiment. Further, it is possible to obtain first related information related to each of the plurality of first specific linear elements.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the related information drawing unit 29, when the related information acquisition unit 28 acquires the first related information related to each of the plurality of first specific linear elements, the continuous information The superimposition display of each acquired first related information at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of first specific linear elements on the map after a simple scroll is started. At this time, the superimposed display position of each first related information is the end of the map on which each first specific linear element should superimpose and display each first related information on the scrolling direction side following the first specific linear element. It may be in the vicinity of the intersection where each intersects.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the related information drawing unit 29, after the start of the superimposed display, based on the result of scrolling after the continuous scrolling, the plurality of first specific linear elements. The follow-up continuation determination for each is performed. Also in this embodiment, the follow-up continuation determination is repeatedly performed as the scroll progresses, provided that a positive determination result is obtained in the previous follow-up continuation determination. Therefore, among the plurality of first specific linear elements, those for which a negative determination result is obtained in the follow-up continuation determination are excluded from the next follow-up continuation determination target.

  In the present embodiment, when a positive determination result in the follow-up continuation determination is obtained for at least one first specific linear element among the plurality of first specific linear elements, the superimposition is performed. Following the start of display, associated with the first specific linear element at a position corresponding to the at least one first specific linear element on the latest scrolled map after the continuous scrolling. The first related information is continuously superimposed and displayed.

  As a specific method for the continuous superimposed display, a method similar to the method described in the first embodiment may be used.

  According to such a configuration, for example, it becomes easy to grasp the difference between a plurality of roads that run parallel to each other such as a new road and an old road as a plurality of first specific linear elements.

FIG. 6 shows the display state of the map screen when two roads, such as a new road and an old road, are extracted as the first specific linear elements, respectively. In FIG. 6, on the map 41 after the continuous scrolling, new road first related information as route name "National Road 119 No. Utsunomiya bypass" corresponding to R ₃ is, first, corresponding to the old road R ₄ As the related information, the route name “National Route 119” is superimposed and displayed.

In the case where two roads _R 3, _{R 4} are included together even map after such additional road _R 3 for a map 41 of FIG. 6, the scroll which follows the _{R 4,} i.e. each road _R 3, _{R 4} When the parallel running relationship is maintained, the road names of the roads R ₃ and R ₄ are also displayed on the map after scrolling, as in FIG.

  Note that modifications such as the change in the acquisition of the name of the direction according to the scroll speed and scale as shown in the first embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment.

  Moreover, as shown in the first embodiment, various types of linear data (that is, linear elements) can be cited as the target of the first specific linear element. A plurality of these linear data may be extracted for the same map as a plurality of first specific linear elements as in this embodiment, but if the number extracted is too large, the user originally Many pieces of linear data not intended to be tracked are extracted as the first specific linear element. In that case, there is a possibility that the visibility of the first related information about the necessary linear data may be impaired. Therefore, the priority of the type of linear data to be extracted as the first specific linear element is set in the linear element extraction unit 27, and the first specific is determined from the various linear data on the map according to this priority. The linear elements may be sequentially extracted, and the extraction of the first specific linear element may be terminated when the number of extractions reaches a predetermined number (a suitable number of 1 or more). In this case, when the guidance route is set and displayed, the guidance route may be preferentially extracted as the first specific linear element.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7, limited to the differences from the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the linear element extraction unit 27 is a linear element branched from the first specific linear element included in the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and displayed, and the branch point is included in the map. It is possible to extract a second specific linear element having A plurality of second specific linear elements may be extracted simultaneously in the map. In that case, the plurality of second specific linear elements may be branched from the first specific linear element at different branch points, or the first specific linear elements may be branched at the same branch point. It may be branched from the linear element. As the second specific linear element, various types of linear data can be selected in the same manner as the first specific linear element. Further, the second specific linear element may be the same kind of linear data (for example, main roads) as the first specific linear element, or may be heterogeneous linear data (for example, coastline and river). There may be. Such extraction of the second specific linear element may be performed based on the same map data as that used for extraction of the first specific linear element, that is, link data or polyline data. In this case, the second specific linear element is extracted by linking the first related information to the end of the map having the first specific linear element and a branch point on the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and displayed. Or a polyline may be performed based on whether or not a polyline exists. When both the first specific linear element and the second specific linear element are roads, the branch point may be an intersection or a highway junction.

  In the present embodiment, when the second specific linear element is extracted by the linear element extraction unit 27, the related information acquisition unit 28 uses the second information related to the extracted second specific linear element. The related information is acquired based on the map data stored in the hard disk drive 11.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the related information drawing unit 29 displays the acquired second related information in a superimposed manner with the first related information when the second related information is acquired by the related information acquisition unit 28. It is displayed in a superimposed manner at a position corresponding to the second specific linear element on the map to be.

  At this time, the related information drawing unit 29 superimposes the second related information in the vicinity of the intersection of the second specific linear element and the end of the map on the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and displayed. It may be displayed. However, in this case, it is assumed that the intersection extraction unit 30 functions as the second intersection extraction device, and the intersection between the second specific linear element and the end of the map is extracted in advance. .

  According to such a configuration, the user can be given an opportunity to change the linear element to be followed.

  Here, FIG. 7 shows a display state of a map screen as a first specific operation example of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 7, on the map 42 after the continuous scrolling, the branch road branched from the road R ₅ as the first specific linear element and the road R ₅ as the second specific linear element. R ₆ is included.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the vicinity of the intersection between the end of the road R ₅ and map 42, as the first additional information related to the road R _5, the route names and road R ₅ road R ₅ The information “National highway No. 6 Edo street / Katsukashika” consisting of the name of the scroll destination that has been followed is superimposed and displayed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the branch passage in the vicinity of the intersection between the end of the R ₆ and the map 42, as the second related information relating to the branch passage R _6, lines name and branch outlet line R ₆ Information “National highway No. 14 Keiyo road / Shifunashi” consisting of the name of the direction of the scroll destination following the road R ₆ (second direction) is superimposed.

User viewing such a map 42, if you want to switch to scroll that follows the branch passage R ₆ may be performed scroll operation along branch R _6. In this case, triggered by a negative determination result in the following continue determination intended for the road R ₅ by the associated information drawing unit 29 is obtained, the linear elements extracted when this negative determination is made What is necessary is just to assume the new scroll start time on the part 27 side. In order to extract the branch path R ₆ as a new first specific linear element, as in the first embodiment, based on the result of continuous scrolling over a predetermined time from the simulated start time. It is sufficient to start the process. Then, when the branch path R ₆ is extracted as a new first specific linear element by the linear element extraction unit 27, it is related to the branch path R ₆ by the related information acquisition unit 28 as in the first embodiment. Acquisition of the first related information to be performed and continuous superposition display of the first related information acquired by the related information drawing unit 29 is performed. However, as the first related information of the branch path R ₆ , basically, it was displayed as the second related information when the branch path R ₆ was extracted as the second specific linear element. What is necessary is just to acquire a thing as it is.

  Next, FIG. 8 shows a display state of a map screen as a second specific operation example of the present embodiment.

8, on the map 51 after the continuous scrolling, a highway R ₉ as a first specific linear elements, "Iwaki junction motorway R ₉ as a second specific linear elements It contains highway _{R 10} which is branched in (JCT) ".

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the vicinity of the intersection between the end of the motorway R ₉ and the map 51, as the first additional information related to the highway R _9, lines names and fast highway R ₉ information consisting of a face of the name of the scroll destination to follow the road R ₉ "Tokiwa road / Mito direction" are superimposed and displayed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the highway in the vicinity of the intersection between the end of the R ₁₀ and the map 51, as the second additional information related to the highway R _10, line names and fast highway R ₁₀ road surface of the scroll destination following the R ₁₀ information consisting of the name (the second direction) "Bandai Koedo / Koriyama surface" is superimposed.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 by limiting to the differences from the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the related information drawing unit 29 superimposes and displays the first related information on the map on which the first related information is to be displayed in a state that can be selected by the operation of the operation unit 5. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the map drawing control unit 25 corresponds to the first related information when the first related information superimposed on the map is selected by the operation of the operation unit 5. The map drawing unit 24 is controlled to perform automatic scrolling following one specific linear element.

  By such control, the map drawing unit 24 performs automatic scrolling following the first specific linear element. A known route scroll function may be used for such scrolling.

  According to such a configuration, the operation burden on the user can be reduced.

For example, in FIG. 9 (a), as the first additional information related to the road R ₇ as a first specific linear elements, the direction of scrolling destination following the route names and road R ₇ road R ₇ Information consisting of the name “National highway No. 49 / To Koriyama” is superimposed and displayed on the operation button 46 on the map 45 after the continuous scrolling.

Then, in FIG. 9 (a), the operation button 46 is selectively operated by using the operation unit 5, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), is performed automatically scrolls which follows the road R _7, road The automatically scrolled map 47 including R ₇ will be displayed.

  The automatic scroll in this embodiment can be applied to the second specific linear element as it is.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change can be made in the limit which does not impair the characteristic of this invention.

  For example, when scrolling following a mountain road in a mountainous area as the first specific linear element, the name of the mountain top direction (first related information) is used as the name of the scroll destination following the road (first related information). For example, the name of “Mt. Fuji 5th Station”) or the name of the foot (for example, “Mt. Fuji foot”) may be superimposed.

  In addition, as the first related information in the case where the railway line is the first specific linear element, the name of the station to be scrolled following the railway line as the name of the route or the direction can be cited. Furthermore, as the first related information when the river is the first specific linear element, the name of the administrative division, sea name or mountain name of the scroll destination following the river as the name of the river or direction Can do. Furthermore, as the first related information when the coastline is the first specific linear element, the name of the beach at the scroll destination following the coastline as the name of the coast (including Hamana and Bay) and the name of the direction. , Cape name, Wharf name or Lighthouse name. Among these first related information, for the name of the first specific linear element (route name, river name, coast name), the text associated with the polyline data corresponding to the first specific linear element What is necessary is just to acquire from map data as data (polyline name). In addition, for the direction name (scroll destination station name, etc.), an acquisition method similar to the acquisition method of the direction name with the main road (link row) as the first specific linear element in the first embodiment, This may be done for polyline data (railways, rivers, coastlines). In that case, instead of the search start link and the search execution link described in the first embodiment, a polyline is configured in order to search for the boundary points and the polygon data to be used for acquiring the name of the direction described above. A unit line element (segment) may be set as a search start segment and a search execution segment.

Furthermore, when scrolling following the main road as the first specific linear element is performed, if the road structure installed on the main road is included in the map, the road structure The name of the object may be superimposed and displayed as the first related information. For example, in FIG. 10, when the tunnel 48 is reached while scrolling following the road R ₈ as the first specific linear element, the name “Iwaki Suiseki Tunnel” of the tunnel 48 is used as the first related information. It is superimposed on the map 49. In addition, a bridge can be mentioned as road structures other than a tunnel.

  Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a mobile body (for example, a mobile phone) other than the in-vehicle navigation device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation apparatus 5 Operation part 24 Map drawing part 25 Map drawing control part 27 Linear element extraction part 28 Related information acquisition part 29 Related information drawing part

Claims (24)

A map data storage device in which map data is stored;
Based on the map data stored in the map data storage device, a map display processing device that displays a map indicating a predetermined area on a display unit;
An operation device capable of performing an operation for scrolling the map;
A map display device comprising: a control device that controls the map display processing device to perform scrolling of the map according to the operation by the operation device;
Based on the result of the control device scrolling the map in response to the continuous scrolling when the scrolling is performed for a predetermined time by the operation of the operating device , the continuous A linear element extraction device capable of extracting from the map data the first specific linear element that is displayed in a follow- up manner on the map by being continuously displayed in the scrolling direction in a simple scroll;
When the first specific linear element is extracted by the linear element extraction device, the extracted first related information related to the first specific linear element is stored in the map data storage device. A related information acquisition device that acquires the map based on the map data;
When the first related information is acquired by the related information acquisition device, the first related information is at a position corresponding to the first specific linear element on the map after the continuous scrolling. A related information display processing device for starting superimposition display of information,
In the related information display processing device, after the superimposed display is started, the first specific linear element is continuously displayed in the scrolling direction based on the result of the scrolling after the continuous scrolling. In this case, it is determined whether or not the scrolling is continued due to the follow-up display on the map , and if a positive determination result is obtained in this determination, the continuous display is continued following the start of the superimposed display such a latest position corresponding to the first particular linear elements in the on the map after the scroll after scroll, continuously have rows superimposed display of the first related information, negative in the judgment When the determination result is obtained, the superimposed display is stopped . The first specific linear element included in the map on which the first related information is to be displayed in a superimposed manner is used to extract an intersection that intersects with an end of the map on the scrolling direction side displayed following the first linear element. 1 intersection extraction device,
The said related information display processing apparatus superimposes and displays the said 1st related information on the vicinity of the said intersection extracted by the said 1st intersection extraction apparatus on the said map. Map display device. The related information display processing device, with the progress of the first particular linear elements follow displayed the scroll, newly in place of the first related information that was displayed before progression of the scroll The first related information to be displayed can be acquired;
When the first related information to be newly displayed is acquired by the related information acquisition device, the related information display processing device displays the acquired first related information before the progress of the scroll. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the map display device is newly displayed instead of the first related information that has been displayed. The said related information display processing apparatus displays the said 1st related information so that it may not overlap with a said 1st specific linear element. The Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Map display device. The linear element extraction device can extract a plurality of the first specific linear elements parallel to each other from the map data based on the result of the continuous scrolling,
When the plurality of first specific linear elements are extracted by the linear element extraction device, the related information acquisition apparatus is configured to associate the first information related to each of the extracted first specific linear elements. 1 related information can be obtained,
In the related information display processing device, when the first related information related to each of the plurality of first specific linear elements is acquired by the related information acquisition device, The superimposed display of each first related information is started at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of first specific linear elements on the map, and thereafter, the scrolling after the continuous scrolling is started. Based on the result, the plurality of first specific linear elements are continuously displayed in the direction of scrolling to determine whether or not to continue the scrolling that is displayed following the display on the map. When a positive determination result is obtained for at least one first specific linear element of the plurality of first specific linear elements, the overlay display is opened. Following the latest scroll after the successive scrolls, the position associated with the first particular linear element at a position corresponding to the at least one first particular linear element on the post-scrolling map. when the first had continuously line the superimposed display of the related information, the determination negative determination result for all of the plurality of first particular linear element in has been obtained, stopping the superimposed display The map display device according to claim 1, wherein: The said 1st relevant information contains the name of the 1st direction of the scroll destination displayed following the said 1st specific linear element, The any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The map display device described. The operation device is operable to specify the scroll speed,
The control device controls the map display processing device to perform the scrolling at a speed specified by the operation,
The related information acquisition apparatus is configured such that the faster the scrolling speed displayed following the first specific linear element based on the control, the farther the first direction is from the map currently displayed. The map display device according to claim 6, wherein a name is acquired. A scale setting device for setting a scale of the map to be displayed by the map display processing device;
The control device controls the map display processing device to display a map of the scale set by the scale setting device;
The related information acquisition device acquires the name of the first direction farther from the currently displayed map as the scale set by the scale setting device is wider. The map display device according to claim 6 or 7. The first specific linear element includes at least one of a main road, a past trajectory, a navigation guidance route, a railway line, a route, a river, and a coastline. The map display device according to any one of the above. The first specific linear element includes at least a main road;
The first related information related to the main road includes a route name, a route number, the name of the scroll destination displayed following the main road as the name of the first direction, and the current location from the current location. At least one of the distance on the main road up to, the traffic information of the traveling section on the main road from the current location to the direction, the number of lanes, the road width, the road gradient, and the fuel consumption Item 9. The map display device according to any one of items 6 to 8. The map according to claim 10, wherein the name of the scroll destination displayed following the main road as the first specific linear element includes at least one of an administrative division name and a facility name. Display device. The map display device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the main road includes an expressway, a toll road, a national road, and a prefectural road. The first specific linear element includes at least a navigation guidance path;
The first related information related to the guidance route includes a route name, a route number, a name of the direction of the scroll destination displayed following the guidance route as the name of the first direction, from the current location to the direction. The distance on the guidance route, the traffic information of the traveling section on the guidance route from the current location to the direction, the number of lanes, the road width, the road gradient, and the fuel consumption are included. Item 9. The map display device according to any one of items 8. 14. The map display according to claim 13, wherein the name of the scroll destination displayed following the guidance route as the first specific linear element includes at least one of an administrative district name and a facility name. apparatus. The linear element extraction device preferentially extracts the guidance route from the map data as the first specific linear element from a plurality of linear elements on a map. Item 15. The map display device according to item 13 or claim 14. The linear element extraction device is a linear element branched from the first specific linear element included in the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and displayed, and has a branch point in the map. Two specific linear elements can be extracted from the map data ;
When the second specific linear element is extracted by the linear element extraction device, the related information acquisition apparatus obtains second related information related to the extracted second specific linear element, as described above. Based on the map data stored in the map data storage device,
When the second related information is acquired by the related information acquisition device, the related information display processing device should superimpose the first related information on the acquired second related information. The map display device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the map display device is superimposed and displayed at a position corresponding to the second specific linear element on a map. A second intersection extraction device that extracts an intersection between the second specific linear element included in the map on which the first related information is to be superimposed and the end of the map;
The related information display processing device superimposes and displays the second related information in the vicinity of the intersection extracted by the second intersection extraction device on the map. Map display device. The map display device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the related information display processing device displays the second related information so as not to overlap the second specific linear element. The said 2nd relevant information contains the name of the 2nd direction of the scroll destination displayed following the said 2nd specific linear element, The any one of Claims 16 thru | or 18 characterized by the above-mentioned. The map display device described. A scale setting device for setting a scale of the map to be displayed by the map display processing device;
The control device controls the map display processing device to display a map of the scale set by the scale setting device;
The related information acquisition device acquires the name of the second direction farther from the currently displayed map as the scale set by the scale setting device is wider. The map display device according to claim 19. 21. The method according to claim 16, wherein the second specific linear element includes at least one of a main road, a past trajectory, a railway line, a route, a river, and a coastline. The map display device described in 1. The second specific linear element includes at least a main road;
The second related information corresponding to the main road includes a route name, a route number, a name of the scroll destination displayed following the main road as the name of the second direction, and the current location from the current location. At least one of the distance on the main road up to, the traffic information of the traveling section on the main road from the current location to the direction, the number of lanes, the road width, the road gradient, and the fuel consumption Item 21. The map display device according to item 19 or 20. The map according to claim 22, wherein the name of the scroll destination displayed following the main road as the second specific linear element includes at least one of an administrative division name and a facility name. Display device. The related information display processing device displays the first related information in a selectable state by an operation of the operation device,
When the first related information is selected, the control device performs the automatic scrolling that is displayed following the first specific linear element corresponding to the first related information. The map display device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the display processing device is controlled.

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