JP7407489B2 - System and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display control device and the like, and particularly to a display control device and the like that guide information related to a map.

A navigation system is known as a display control device that provides information related to a map. A navigation system generally has a function of displaying a map on a display means such as a liquid crystal display, and further displaying a current position, a route to a destination, etc. on the map. Furthermore, navigation systems are also provided that have a function of providing various information accompanying map information, such as neighborhood information. There are various types of navigation systems, such as in-vehicle type and portable type, and navigation systems equipped with navigation functions on smartphones are also used.

In recent years, navigation systems have been proposed that do not simply provide directions to a destination, but instead provide guidance in an interesting manner that makes travel fun and tickles the user's sense of fun. There is. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation system that displays characters on a screen and uses the characters to provide information guidance.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-242187

Patent Document 1 discloses that in addition to displaying map information, a character unrelated to the warning target is displayed in animation when the position specified by the position information of the warning target and the current position of the vehicle have a predetermined proximity relationship. discloses a navigation system that can prevent a warning target from being overlooked. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose displaying a character whose correspondence with a region is defined, and the effect of increasing interest is not sufficient.

As described above, no efforts have been made to add high interest to information guidance controlled by a display control device by displaying a character whose correspondence with a region is defined.

The present application discloses inventions described in each of the following aspects, for example.
<Viewpoint 1>
A display control device that provides information related to a map including multiple regions,
1. A display control device comprising a control means for controlling a display means to display an image of one of a plurality of characters whose correspondence with a plurality of regions is defined.
<Viewpoint 2>
The control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters;
The control means adds the character corresponding to the region to which the display control device has moved to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control device has moved to the region in which a correspondence relationship with the character is defined. Characteristic display control device.
<Viewpoint 3>
The control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters;
The control means is characterized in that the display control device newly adds any of the characters selected from the plurality of characters to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control device has moved a predetermined distance. Display control device.
<Viewpoint 4>
The plurality of characters includes at least one default character,
A display control device, wherein when the character is not included in the permitted character group, the control means displays an image of the default character on the display means.
<Viewpoint 5>
further comprising mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in different ways based on a user's operation,
A display control device, wherein the control means displays the character selected according to the mode selected by the mode selection means on the display means.
<Viewpoint 6>
the plurality of modes include a first mode,
The display control device is characterized in that when the first mode is selected, the control means displays an image of the character designated by the user on the display means.
<Viewpoint 7>
the plurality of modes include a second mode,
When the second mode is selected, the display control device is characterized in that the control device displays, on the display device, an image of the character associated with the region where the display control device is currently located.
<Viewpoint 8>
the plurality of modes include a third mode,
When the third mode is selected, the display control device is characterized in that the control device displays a different image of the character on the display device every time the display control device moves a predetermined distance.
<Viewpoint 9>
further comprising display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user's operation,
The control means controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the display mode is selected, and controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the non-display mode is selected. A display control device characterized in that it does not perform.

In the invention of Aspect 1, the user sees the character displayed on the display means and becomes interested in the character, and also becomes interested in the area associated with the character. This can provide motivation for receiving information related to the area.

In a preferred embodiment, the display control device may include display means for displaying images and the like. In a further preferred embodiment, the display control device includes correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between regions and characters in a format such as a table, position detection means for detecting the position and movement distance of the display control device, movement distance detection means, etc. It's good to have more. In another preferred embodiment, the display control device does not include all or part of the display means, correspondence storage means, position detection means, and movement distance detection means. For example, as these means, general-purpose products that are usually commercially available can be used.

Preferably, the region is a geographical area. Preferably, the regions do not overlap with each other. The region is more preferably an administrative division, and particularly preferably a prefecture or a municipality.

The character is preferably a symbol, figure, etc. in the shape of a real or imaginary person or animal. It is preferable that the character is, for example, a character (for example, a local character) managed by a region (for example, a local government). Preferably, the character is a so-called loose character. As a mascot character, it is particularly preferable to use it as a mascot character to be used for PR of the region, such as regional revitalization, introduction of local products, etc. It is especially good to use cute illustrations.

Preferably, the correspondence between the plurality of regions and the plurality of characters is one-to-one or one-to-many. In a preferred embodiment, correspondences with characters are defined for all regions included in the map. In another preferred embodiment, correspondence with characters is defined for only some of the regions within the map (for example, the four prefectures of Shikoku out of the 47 prefectures on the Japanese map).

Preferably, the information guidance includes information regarding events such as crackdowns. It is particularly preferable that the information guidance is route guidance to a destination. Preferably, the information is guided by displaying an image on the display means.

In the invention of Aspect 2, any character selected from the permitted character group is displayed on the display means. When the display control device moves to a new region, a new character corresponding to the destination region is added to the permitted character group (the number of characters that can be displayed increases), so it is difficult for the user to move from region to region. Can motivate.

The permitted character group may include all or part of a plurality of characters in the initial state (for example, factory shipping state), but in the initial state, the permitted character group does not include any of the plurality of characters (permitted characters It is preferable that the group is the empty set). It is preferable that a character once added to the permitted character group not be deleted from the permitted character group. Particularly preferably, the display control device is configured to store and retain the characters of the permitted character group even when the display control device is powered off.

Preferably, movement to each region is determined based on information from the position detection means. Preferably, the display control device performs a process of adding a character corresponding to the destination area only when the character corresponding to the destination area is not included in the permitted character group.

In the invention of aspect 3, when the display control device moves a predetermined distance, a new character is added to the permitted character group (the number of characters that can be displayed increases), thereby motivating the user to move a longer distance. Can be done. Preferably, the moving distance is calculated based on information from the position detection means.

It is particularly preferable that the display control device has the configurations of both aspects 2 and 3. This solves the problem in the invention of aspect 2 that a user who only moves within the same area cannot increase the number of characters that can be displayed. In this way, in the invention of Aspect 2, when a second condition different from the condition (first condition) that the display control device has moved to the area where a correspondence relationship with the character is defined is satisfied. , it is preferable that one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters be newly added to the permitted character group. A second preferable condition different from Aspect 3 is that the usage time (for example, cumulative usage time) of the display control device has reached a predetermined time, and the number of days that have passed since the display control device was manufactured, shipped, etc. is a predetermined number of days. There are conditions such as .

In the invention of Aspect 4, even if the permitted character group does not include a character (for example, when the power is turned on for the first time after factory shipment in an embodiment in which the permitted character group at the time of factory shipment is an empty set), the character It becomes possible to perform display. In a preferred embodiment, the default character may be a character whose correspondence with a region is not defined. In other preferred embodiments, the default character is a character defined to correspond to any region.

In the invention of aspect 5, the user can select a method for selecting characters to be displayed.

In the invention of aspect 6, the user can display a character arbitrarily selected from the permitted character group, and can increase discretion.

In the invention of aspect 7, since a character associated with the region where the display control device is currently located is displayed, the user can be motivated to move between regions. Preferably, the current position of the control device is determined based on information from the position detection means.

In the invention of aspect 8, since a different character is displayed each time the display control device moves a predetermined distance, the user can be motivated to move a longer distance. Preferably, the moving distance is calculated based on information from the position detection means.

The second mode in the invention of aspect 7 and the third mode in the invention of aspect 8 are preferably selectable simultaneously. This makes it possible to change the displayed character regardless of whether the condition of moving to a different area or moving a predetermined distance is satisfied. The plurality of modes may include modes different from aspects 6-8. Other preferable modes include a mode in which a different character is displayed every predetermined period of time or each time period, and a mode in which a different character is displayed depending on the moving speed.

Inventions according to Aspects 5 to 8 that cite Aspects 2 or 3 are particularly preferred. This makes it possible to add characters from the permitted character group independently of the displayed characters. For example, in the display control device of the invention according to Aspect 6, even if the user displays only a specific character in the first mode, characters in the permitted character group are added depending on the region and distance traveled, so the user Other characters can be displayed if desired.

In the invention of aspect 9, it is also possible to hide the character according to the user's preference.

It is recommended to configure it as follows.
<Viewpoint A>
When changing from a state in which the image of the character is not displayed on the display means to a state in which the image of the character is displayed, the name of the character is displayed together with the image of the character for a predetermined period of time, and then the name is hidden. It is a good idea to perform processing to display it. In particular, it is preferable that the name of the character and the information of the region to which the character corresponds are displayed for the predetermined period of time and then hidden.

In this way, by the appearance of the character, the user's line of sight can be drawn to the character on the display means, and the user can also learn the name of the character and the region to which the character corresponds, thereby learning more deeply about the character. At the same time, it is possible to arouse interest in the area to which the character corresponds. Moreover, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the name of the character and the information on the corresponding area are erased and the character is displayed, making it less likely that it will interfere with the display of background information (for example, map information). If you forget the name of the character or the corresponding region, they will not be displayed, and you will not be able to know the answer immediately, which has the effect of making you look forward to the next appearance.
In particular, the change from a state in which the character is not displayed to a state in which the character is displayed is preferably performed with movement of the character. In particular, it is preferable that the character be displayed while gradually moving from the edge of the screen toward the center of the screen. In this way, the appearance of the character can be given an impression, and the user's line of sight can be more easily drawn to the display means.

<Viewpoint B>
When the character image changes from a state in which the character image is not displayed on the display means to a state in which the character image is displayed, or from a state in which the character image is displayed on the display means, the character image changes. It is preferable that display control is performed such that the character performs an action of greeting the user at least in one of the cases where the character changes to a state where it is not displayed.
In this way, attachment to the character increases, and the possibility of arousing attachment to the corresponding region is further increased.
<Viewpoint C>
It has a function to output information by voice and a selection function to select whether or not to display the character, and if the selection function selects not to display the character, the voice output is provided. If it is selected to output a voice unrelated to a character and display the character, the voice may be output as the voice of the character being displayed.

<Viewpoint D>
When the character being displayed on the display means is a character set not to speak, it is preferable to output the information using a voice for a common character.

<Viewpoint E>
The output of information using the voice of the character is performed when outputting information that matches the image of the character, and when outputting information that does not match the image of the character, the information is output using a voice different from that of the character. It's good to do that. For example, when outputting a warning of a crackdown, it is preferable not to output the voice of the character in question, and in this case, it is preferable to issue the warning of a crackdown with a voice other than the voice of the character.
In this way, the necessary warning can be obtained while maintaining the image of the character.

<Viewpoint E>
The correspondence between the character and the area may be a wider area than the area where the character is active. In this way, it is possible to increase attention to a specific area within a wider area. In particular, the configuration of aspect 7 may be provided. For example, if the character is a character for promoting a city, the region may be a prefecture that is wider than the city. If you do this, when you enter a certain prefecture, the character corresponding to a specific city within that prefecture will be displayed, so if you enter a certain prefecture, the character corresponding to a specific city within that prefecture will be displayed. This will create interest in the city and motivate people to want to visit the city when they enter the prefecture.

<Viewpoint F>
It has a function to display a character corresponding to the area related to the acquired current position, and when the current position changes from being able to acquire the current position to being unable to acquire the current position, it is displayed before the current position becomes unobtainable. It would be good to have a function that maintains the display of the character that was previously displayed.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the character from suddenly not being displayed even if the current position cannot be obtained. This is particularly effective when acquiring the current position using GPS.

<Viewpoint G>
The display mode includes a character mode in which the information is output by a character, a standard mode in which the information is not output by the character, and a switching function to switch between the character mode and the standard mode. It is preferable not to judge the condition of viewpoint 3.
If you do this, the permitted character group will be updated only when you are in character mode, so for example, if you lend a vehicle with the display control device installed to another person, you can set it to standard mode. The user can update the permitted character group at his own pace without being disturbed by others.

<Viewpoint H>
A function is provided to detect a user's touch on a display area of the character while the character is displayed on the display means, and when a touch on the character is detected, the character is erased and the character is displayed. It is a good idea to control the display of other information in the place where it was previously displayed.
In this way, by touching a character, the character can be erased and other information can be displayed.

<Viewpoint I>
The character currently being displayed on the map screen may be displayed on a button for displaying a display screen of information about the character or a button for displaying settings related to display control of the character. .
In this way, the user can see the character displayed on the button on the menu screen or the like and know the character to be displayed on the current map without actually performing an operation to return to the map screen.

<Viewpoint J>
It is preferable to have a function of displaying a screen that displays the attributes of the characters as text information, to have explanatory information about the same attributes among the plurality of characters, and to make the display information indicating the same attributes different. For example, regarding attribute a of a character "name", character A displays "name" and displays the name after the attribute, and character B displays "nickname" and displays the name near it. . For example, regarding attribute b of a character's "age," character A displays "age" and displays that age in its vicinity, and character B displays "born" and displays that age in its vicinity. indicate.
In this way, it becomes possible to deepen mutual understanding regarding the attributes common to the plurality of characters without destroying the worldview of each of the plurality of characters.

<Viewpoint K>
It has a function of displaying a screen that can list the plurality of regions, and the display mode of the region corresponding to a character existing in the said permitted character group is different from the display mode of the region corresponding to a character not existing in the said permitted character group. It is preferable to use the display mode.
In this way, it is possible to easily understand which region's characters are included in the permitted character group. For example, it is also possible to easily grasp the acquisition status of permitted character groups for all character groups. For example, in a configuration where a map of Japan is displayed, the region is 47 prefectures, and characters and regions correspond one-to-one, the map of Japan is divided into each prefecture and displayed, and within each prefecture, the permitted characters Prefectures that correspond to characters in the group should not be displayed with shading, but prefectures that correspond to characters that are in the allowed character group should be displayed with shading. .

<Perspective L>
It is preferable to have a function of outputting a time signal by voice, and when notifying the time signal, output a predetermined word along with the time by the voice of the character being displayed.

<Viewpoint M>
It is preferable to perform a predetermined effect when all the characters are in the permitted character group. It is best to make this performance a complete performance. For example, it may be a good idea to create a performance that celebrates the fact that all the characters have been acquired. At this time, it is preferable that a character set to be able to speak and a character set to be unable to speak exist in the group of permitted characters, and the predetermined effect is performed using the voice of the character who can speak. The content may include information indicating that a character in an area representing the area to which all characters correspond is included in the permitted character group. For example, if all the characters are from 47 prefectures, it may be outputted that the region representing the region to which all the characters correspond is the whole country, such as "Let's conquer the whole country!" After performing a predetermined performance, it is preferable to return to the original character information output screen.

<Viewpoint N>
It is equipped with a route guidance function to the destination as guidance for the information, and a demo driving function which is a function to perform route guidance by virtual driving in a situation where the vehicle is not actually driving to the destination, and in the case of the demo driving function. In this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which movement is not considered as movement in viewpoints 2 and 3. In this way, it is possible to prevent characters from being added one after another to the permitted character group during the demonstration run.

Viewpoints 1 to 9 and Viewpoints A to N can be arbitrarily combined to configure a display control device as long as there is no conflict between the constituent elements. In this case, it is advisable for those skilled in the art to utilize their ordinary creative abilities to derive a specific configuration of combinations that produce unique and remarkable effects. Further, it may be configured as a program that causes a computer to implement the functions of the display control device described above.

1 is an external view of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(a) shows exemplary mascot information. FIG. 3(b) shows an exemplary allowed character list. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary first audio mapping table defined for route guidance events. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary second audio correspondence table defined for route guidance events. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary third audio correspondence table defined for POI events. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary action correspondence table. FIG. 8(a) shows an exemplary main menu screen. FIG. 8(b) shows an exemplary navigation menu screen. FIG. 9(a) shows an exemplary mode switching screen. FIG. 9(b) shows an exemplary guidance screen. FIG. 9(c) shows an exemplary mode switching screen. FIG. 9(d) shows an exemplary guidance screen. FIG. 10(a) shows an exemplary search screen. FIG. 10(b) shows an exemplary registration/edit screen. FIG. 10(c) shows an exemplary registration/edit screen. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an exemplary mascot acquisition process. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an exemplary display mode selection process. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary mascot selection process. FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of an exemplary audio output process. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of an exemplary audio output/character display process. FIG. 16(a) shows an exemplary mascot character screen. FIG. 16(b) shows an exemplary mascot information screen. FIG. 17(a) shows an exemplary mascot character list screen. FIG. 17(b) shows an exemplary national mascot picture book screen. FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of an exemplary complete effect process. FIG. 19 shows an exemplary assisted guidance screen.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a display control device of the present invention is applied to a vehicle-mounted navigation device will be described.

[Basic configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a navigation device suitable as an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a portable device main body 2 and a cradle 3 that is a mounting member for holding the device main body 2. As shown in FIG. By attaching the device main body 2 to the cradle 3, it functions as a car-mounted device, and by removing it from the cradle 3, it functions as a portable navigation device (PND). In this embodiment, the device main body 2 is removably attached to the cradle 3, and can be used by installing it on the dashboard of a vehicle together with the cradle 3, or can be used as a portable device (PND) by removing the device main body 2 from the cradle 3. However, it may be a vehicle-fixed type that cannot be easily attached to or detached from the cradle 3, or it may be a portable type only. Furthermore, it may be realized by installing (including pre-installing) a predetermined application program on a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. The application program may be the system itself for performing navigation, or it may be a program for accessing a server in which a system for performing navigation is installed and using the system. The present invention can be applied to various types of navigation systems.

The device main body 2 is detachably attached to the cradle 3. The device main body 2 includes a flat rectangular case main body 4. A display section 5 is disposed on the front surface of the case body 4. A touch panel 8 is provided on the display section 5 to detect which part of the display section 5 is touched, and alarm lamps 9 are provided on both sides of the front surface. It is equipped with The cradle 3 includes a cradle main body 6 that holds the device main body 2, and a pedestal 7 that supports the cradle main body 6 in an arbitrary posture at a predetermined position in the vehicle interior (such as a dashboard). The pedestal part 7 is fixed to a dashboard or the like by suction using a suction cup provided on the bottom surface. The pedestal portion 7 and the cradle main body 6 are rotatably coupled within a predetermined angular range via a coupling mechanism such as a ball joint. Since it is a ball joint, the pedestal part 7 and the cradle main body 6 rotate relative to each other within an arbitrary angular range in three-dimensional directions, and remain at an arbitrary angular position due to frictional resistance at the joint portion. Therefore, the device main body 2 attached to the cradle main body 6 can also be placed in any position on the dashboard.

Further, one side of the case body 4 is provided with an SD memory card slot section 21, into which an SD memory card 22 having map data and the like recorded can be inserted. This SD memory card slot section 21 includes a memory card reader/writer that reads and writes information to and from the inserted SD memory card 22. Further, a DC jack 10 is provided on the side surface of the case body 4 where the SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided. The DC jack 10 is for connecting a cigarette plug cord (not shown), and is connected to a cigarette socket of a vehicle via the cigarette plug cord to receive power supply.

On the other hand, a power switch and a USB terminal 23 are provided on the side opposite to the SD memory card slot section 21. By connecting to a personal computer via this USB terminal 23, software applications can be updated.

The following devices and parts are arranged inside the case body 4. That is, the microwave receiver 11 is arranged inside the case body 4 on the back side. The microwave receiver 11 receives microwaves in a predetermined frequency band, and when receiving microwaves in the set frequency band, detects the signal level of the received microwave. Specifically, the RSSI voltage, which is the signal level and corresponds to the electric field strength, is used. The above-mentioned predetermined frequency band is, for example, a frequency band that includes the frequency of microwaves emitted from the vehicle speed measuring device.

Furthermore, a GPS receiver 12 is disposed inside the upper surface of the case body 4 to receive GPS signals and determine the current position. An infrared communication device 14 is arranged inside the case body 4 on the front side. The infrared communication device 14 sends and receives data to and from a communication device including a built-in infrared communication device, such as a mobile phone 15. Furthermore, a speaker 20 is also built into the case body 4.

Furthermore, the navigation device 1 includes a wireless receiver 13 and a remote control receiver 16. The remote control receiver 16 performs data communication with a remote controller (portable device: child device) 17 and performs various settings for the navigation device 1 . The radio receiver 13 receives incoming radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. This predetermined frequency can be, for example, a radio frequency band used when an emergency vehicle notifies the base station of its own vehicle position.

The navigation device 1 also has a navigation function that outputs guidance audio every time various events occur for the purpose of route guidance, notification of nearby targets such as vehicle speed measuring devices and other traffic monitoring points, and the like. In this embodiment, as the output mode of the guidance voice, in addition to the normal mode in which the guidance voice is output without displaying characters on the guidance screen such as map information, a state in which so-called mascot characters (local characters) are displayed on the guidance screen. Equipped with a Yuru Navi mode that outputs voice guidance. The normal mode and the YuruNavi mode are stored on the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as programs to be executed by the control unit 18, and are realized by the control unit 18 executing the programs.

The database 19 can be realized by a nonvolatile memory (eg, EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. In the database 19, certain target objects, maps, and other information necessary for implementing various functions are registered at the time of shipment, and data regarding targets added after that is updated through predetermined processing. can do.

The database 19 stores loose character image data for displaying various characters on the display unit. The Yuru-chara image data includes 47 types of Yuru-chara that have one-to-one correspondence with multiple regions (47 prefectures) and one type of default character on the guide screen GV (Fig. 9 (b), (d) ) is the data to be displayed on the guide screens GV1, GV2) illustrated in FIG. The mascot image data may be data of a 3D model that can be animated according to the motion data described below.

The database 19 further stores yuru-kyara information regarding 47 types of yuru-kyara. FIG. 3(a) shows exemplary mascot information. As shown in the figure, the yuru-kyara information defines the correspondence between 47 types of yuru-kyara and 47 prefectures. The management organization is, for example, a local government that manages various characters.

The Yuru-chara information further includes field data DA to DE that define setting information regarding the characteristics of each Yuru-chara. Each of the field data DA to DE has its own character limit, for example, about 15 to 300.

For many Yuru-charas (for example, more than half of the Yuru-charas), the field data DA contains the name, the field data DB contains the birthplace, the field data DC contains the gender, and the field data DD contains the date of birth. The data DE defines standard attribute data such as a profile.

However, depending on the type of Yuru-chara, attributes different from the standard may be defined, such as a nickname defined in the field data DA and a location defined in the field data DB. Furthermore, there are cases in which a part of the profile is defined in the field data DD, and the remaining part of the profile is defined in the field data DE. In this way, by allowing the attributes of the field data DA to DF to be freely set, it becomes easy to appropriately explain mascot characters having various characteristics.

The 47 types of mascot characters are allowed to be displayed on the guide screen GV under certain conditions. In this application, the process of being newly permitted to display on the guide screen GV may be referred to as "obtaining" a mascot character. In this application, a set of mascot characters that are permitted to be displayed on the guide screen GV may be referred to as a "permitted character group." The mascot characters that are permitted to be displayed on the guide screen GV are added to the permitted character list illustrated in FIG. 3(b). The control unit 18 determines that the mascot characters included in the permitted character list are permitted to be displayed on the guide screen GV, and otherwise determines that they are not permitted. Further, the control unit 18 executes a complete effect when all Yuru characters are acquired (completed), that is, when the 47th Yuru character is added to the permitted character list.

Furthermore, the database 19 stores audio data of guidance voices output from the speaker 20 every time various events occur, and motion data defining the motions of mascot characters. The motion data includes regular motion data that specifies the regular motions that the Yuru-Chara performs while the guidance voice is not being output, and specific motion data that defines multiple specific motions that the Yuru-Chara performs while the guidance voice is being output. . The steady motion can be a motion that does not strongly attract the user's attention, such as a mascot slowly repeating turning to the right and then to the left. The motion data for specific motions includes a total of 15 types of characteristic motions, such as the motion of turning sharply to the right, the motion of jumping, the motion of joy, the motion of disgust, and the motions performed by mascot characters.

Furthermore, the database 19 stores voice correspondence tables (first to third voice correspondence tables) and motion correspondence tables that define the relationship between various events guided by navigation operations, guidance voices, and specific operations, which will be described later. There is.

Events include route guidance events that are necessary to guide the route to the destination, and events that are related to route guidance, such as notifications about service areas and famous places, and warnings about accident-prone areas and checkpoint areas. They are divided into categories such as low POI (Point of Interest) events, and audio correspondence tables are stored for each category.

In addition, the voices output as guidance voices include the normal voice used in the normal mode and a specific mascot (hereinafter referred to as a “specific mascot”). The Yuruchara with the name "Daimyo Ieyasu-kun (registered trademark)" is set as a specific Yuruchara.) is displayed, and the Yuruchara used when other Yurucharas are displayed. There are three types of audio. These voices are output by reproducing recorded data in which a voice actor or announcer (hereinafter referred to as a "voice actor, etc.") utters phrases defined in each voice correspondence table.

4 and 5 illustrate exemplary first and second voice correspondence tables defined for route guidance events. As shown in FIG. 4, the first audio correspondence table defines an event number, a phrase number, a guidance time, a normal audio phrase, and a mascot audio phrase. As shown in FIG. 5, the second voice correspondence table defines an event number, a phrase number, a guide time, and the person's voice phrase. In the first and second audio correspondence tables, the event number is a number (or symbol) assigned to each type of event. For example, there are about 500 types of events. The phrase number is a number assigned to each phrase. The guidance time indicates the time required to output the guidance voice. The normal voice phrase, the Yuru-chara voice phrase, and the person's voice phrase are text representations of the voices output as the normal voice, the Yuru-Chara voice, and the person's voice, respectively.

As can be seen from the figure, normal voice phrases are relatively formal expressions, while Yuruchara voice phrases and personal voice phrases are expressions that are familiar, informal, or unique. ing. In addition, when creating recording data, the normal voice is a normal voice phrase uttered by the announcer in a standard or formal tone, whereas the YuruChara voice and the person's voice are recorded using the YuruChara voice phrase. The person's own voice phrase uttered by a voice actor or the like in a familiar, familiar, loose, slow, or unique tone is recorded.

In addition to the information to be guided, the mascot voice phrases and the person's voice phrases may include additional information related to the information. For example, in the mascot voice phrase and the person's voice phrase for a time notification event (for example, event 413), in addition to the information on the time to be notified (``It's noon'', ``It's noon''), additional information (``I'm hungry'') is included. This includes ``I'm hungry~'' and ``Would you like to eat it even if it's unadon?''

In addition, the person's voice phrase may include information, advertisement, solicitation, etc. related to the area corresponding to the specific mascot. For example, in response to event 392, which is an event of approaching the destination, the person's own voice phrase such as "At the destination...next time, I want you to come to ***, too." Can be done. In this case, "***" is the place name of the area (for example, Shizuoka Prefecture) that corresponds to the specific mascot. This makes it possible to invite people to places other than their current destination. It is also possible to use "***" as a wild card and change the word corresponding to "***" depending on the number of occurrences of the event, the time of occurrence, the display mode at that time, etc.

Further, while the number of phrases for each event is one in the case of normal voice, there may be a plurality of phrases in the case of mascot voice and the person's own voice. This is a variation of the guidance voice when Yuruchara is displayed. One reason for this is that since voices with unique expressions and tones are easily remembered by users, there is a strong need to reduce user boredom.

When a plurality of phrases are defined for a single event, a different phrase is sequentially selected and a guidance voice is output each time the event occurs. The phrases may be selected randomly instead of sequentially.

Furthermore, regarding the mascot voice and the person's voice, the number of phrases differs for each event. For example, while event 391 (guidance start event) has four phrases, event 393 (reroute event) has ten phrases. This is because the more frequently an event occurs, the more necessary it is to reduce user fatigue due to the same phrase being output frequently.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary third audio correspondence table defined for POI events.

The meanings of the event number, phrase number, guide time, and normal voice phrase in the third voice correspondence table are the same as in the first voice correspondence table. As can be seen from the figure, for each POI event, only the normal voice phrase is defined, and the mascot voice phrase and the person's voice phrase are not defined. Therefore, when a POI event occurs, the normal guidance voice is always output, and the Yurukyara voice and the user's own voice guidance voice are not output. This is done in consideration of the fact that, due to the nature of POI events (particularly warning events), informal guidance using mascot voices or the like is often not suitable.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary action correspondence table. As shown, an action number is defined for each phrase number defined in the first to third voice correspondence tables of FIGS. 4 to 6. The action number consists of a mode part (such as right) shown in Roman letters and a time part (such as 03) shown in numbers. The aspect part defines the type of specific operation data. The time portion indicates the time that the specific action continues. Once the phrase number of the voice to be output as the guide voice (the phrase number of the first to third voice correspondence tables) is determined by this motion correspondence table, the specific motion performed by the mascot character is uniquely determined. As mentioned above, there are 15 types of specific actions in total, but among these, for the specific actions that are frequently displayed, such as the action of turning to the right, the action of turning to the right (right and right1) is displayed in multiple different ways. Provided.

Next, the operation of the navigation device 1 having the above configuration will be explained.
<Menu operation>
As described above, the navigation device 1 includes a normal mode and a loose navigation mode, and the control unit 18 switches between these modes in response to a touch operation on the display unit 5 or the like.

When the "navigation" button is touched on the main menu screen of FIG. 8(a) displayed on the display unit 5 when the power of the navigation device 1 is turned on, the navigation menu screen of FIG. 8(b) is displayed.

When the operation mode is normal mode, if the user selects the "mode switch" button from the navigation menu screen, the mode switch screen illustrated in FIG. 9(a) will be displayed, and if the user selects the "YES" button, the operation will change. The mode will be switched to Yuru Navi mode. In the yuru-navi mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9(b), navigation is performed using a guide screen GV1 that displays an image C of yuru-kyara along with map information and the like. If the user selects the "mode switching" button from the navigation menu screen when the operation mode is Yuru Navi mode, the mode switching screen illustrated in FIG. 9(c) will be displayed, and if the user selects the "YES" button, The operating mode is switched to normal mode. In the normal mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9(d), navigation is performed using the guide screen GV2 that displays only map information and the like without displaying the mascot image C.

The switching screens shown in Figures 9(a) and (c) are designed with backgrounds, text fonts, icons, etc. so that the user can easily visualize the operating mode to which they will transition when switching (when "YES" is selected). It is preferable to use a design that is compatible with the destination operation mode. For example, the switching screen in FIG. 9(a) uses a manga-like design or a fairy-tale design, and the switching screen in FIG. 9(b) uses an urban design or an urbane design.

Note that when the "Search" button is touched on the navigation menu screen, the search screen shown in FIG. 10(a) is displayed, allowing the user to search for a destination, etc. When the user touches the "registration/edit" button on the navigation menu screen, the registration/edit screen shown in FIG. 10(b) is displayed, and it is possible to edit the route, set registered points, display history, etc. In addition, if you touch the "Settings" button on the navigation menu screen, the registration/edit screen shown in Figure 10(c) will be displayed, providing assistance such as an enlarged intersection map, radar screen, and meter screen based on OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) information. You can set screen priorities, etc.

<Acquisition of Yuru-chara>
FIG. 11 shows the mascot acquisition process that is always executed by the navigation device 1 when the mascot mode is selected as the operation mode. Note that the Yuru-Chara acquisition process is executed only when the operation mode is the Yuru-Chara mode, and is not executed when the operation mode is the normal mode.

The control unit 18 acquires the current position of the navigation device 1 by performing positioning processing using the GPS receiver 15 at a predetermined period, usually a one-second period (step S11).

Next, the control unit 18 specifies the area (prefecture) to which the current position determined by the positioning process belongs (step S12).
Next, referring to the permitted character list (FIG. 3(b)) on the database 19, it is determined whether or not the mascot character associated with the prefecture identified in step S12 has been acquired (step S13). .
If it has not been acquired (step S13; No), the mascot character corresponding to the specified prefecture is added to the permitted character list (step S14).

Note that if it is determined in step S13 that the mascot character of the specified prefecture has been acquired (step S13; Yes), step S14 is skipped.

Subsequently, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the power was turned off between the previous positioning process and the current positioning process (step S15). If the power has not been turned off (step S15; No), the distance between the previous and current positioning positions is determined (step S16), and the determined distance is added to the cumulative value of past travel distances (step S17). .

Next, it is determined whether the cumulative value of the traveling distance has newly exceeded a multiple of a predetermined value (200 km in this embodiment) (step S18). If it exceeds (step S18; Yes), one of the unobtained mascot characters is randomly selected and obtained (step S19), and the current process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the power was turned off between the previous positioning and the current positioning (step S15; Yes), and if the accumulated distance traveled does not exceed a multiple of 200 km (step S18; No), the current process ends.

Through such processing, for example, when the user crosses the prefectural border and drives to another prefecture for the first time, the mascot character of that prefecture is acquired. Furthermore, even if you are only driving within the same prefecture, you can obtain a new mascot character every time you drive 200km. However, for example, if you turn off the power, take a ferry from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and then turn on the power, the travel distance of the navigation device 1 will exceed 200 km, but as a result of skipping steps S16-S19, this travel distance will be Since it is not counted in the cumulative area, you cannot acquire new mascots by moving while the power is off (note that if the power is turned on for the first time in Okinawa, it means that you have entered a new area, so you can move in step S14). (You can get the Yuru-chara corresponding to Okinawa).

The above-mentioned mascot character acquisition process is executed regardless of which mode is selected as a display mode, which will be described later. Therefore, even if only the same mascot character is always displayed in the fixed mode, the user can move between regions or long distances with the navigation device 1 turned on. , you can proceed with the acquisition of Yuru-chara.

In addition, since YuruChara is added under two conditions (steps S14 and S19): when moving to a new area and when traveling a predetermined distance, even if the user does not travel to a remote location, YuruChara can It is possible to proceed with character acquisition.

<Selection/switching of display mode>

Next, a process for selecting a loose character to be displayed on the guide screen GV1 during navigation operation when the loose navigation mode is selected as described above will be explained.

The navigation device 1 has three display modes: fixed mode, prefectural border mode, and mileage mode. The fixed mode is a mode in which a specific Yuru-chara continues to be selected. The prefectural border mode is a mode that displays mascot characters of the prefecture where the user is currently located. The travel distance mode is a mode in which the mascot character to be displayed is changed every time the navigation device 1 moves a predetermined distance, for example, 200 km.

Selection of the display mode is performed, for example, by operating a selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 5 by touching the "local character" button on the navigation menu screen (FIG. 8(b)). . FIG. 12 shows display mode selection processing executed by the control unit 18 in response to the operation.

In the display mode selection process, when the user selects the fixed mode (step S31; Yes), the control unit 18 subsequently displays the mascot characters included in the permitted character list in the form of a list, etc., and the user can Select your favorite mascot (step S32). The control unit 18 stores the fixed mode and the selected loose character.

When the user selects the prefectural border mode (Step S33; Yes), the control unit 18 selects the Yuru-chara corresponding to the prefecture specified in the latest step S12 of the Yuru-chara acquisition process that is being executed in parallel ( Step S34). The control unit 18 stores the "prefectural border mode" and the selected mascot character.

When the user selects the mileage mode (step S35; Yes), the control unit 18 selects one of the mascot characters included in the permitted character list (step S36). The mascot character selected here may be selected at random from the permitted character list, or the mascot character that was displayed in the mileage mode immediately before the current display mode selection process may be selected. The control unit 18 stores the "mileage mode" and the selected mascot character.

When "prefectural border mode" and "mileage mode" are selected, mascot characters are appropriately selected and changed during navigation operation.

This Yuru-chara selection is performed by the Yuru-chara selection process shown in FIG.
When the Yuru character selection process starts, the control unit 18 first determines whether the "normal mode" or the "Yuru Navi mode" is set (step S41).
If the "normal mode" is set, there is no need to select a mascot character, so this process ends.

On the other hand, if the "yuru-navi mode" is set, then it is determined which selection mode is set (steps S42 to S44). In the case of fixed mode (step S42; Yes), there is no need to newly select a mascot character, so the process ends.

In the case of prefectural border mode (step S42; No, step S43; Yes), based on the prefecture specified in the latest step S12 of the Yuru-chara acquisition process that is being executed in parallel, cross the regional border (prefectural border, etc.) Determine whether you have entered a new area. If it is determined that the user has entered a new area, a mascot character corresponding to the new area is selected (step S45), and the process ends.

In the case of the mileage mode (step S42; No, step S43; No, step S44; Yes), the cumulative value of the mileage in the latest step S17 of the mascot acquisition process that is being executed in parallel is a multiple of 200 km. It is determined whether or not it has exceeded the limit (step S46), and if it has, a mascot character different from the currently selected mascot character is selected from among the mascot characters in the permitted character list (step S47), and the process ends. For example, this selection may be made sequentially. In this case, it is conceivable to select in a specific order, such as selecting in order from the most recent addition to the permitted character list.

<Navigation operation>
When the "current location" button is touched on the navigation menu screen of FIG. 8(b), etc., the control unit 18 executes a navigation operation. In the navigation operation, various traffic-related cautions and warning information are provided, and if a destination is set in the search menu, registration/edit menu, etc. in Figures 10(a) and (b), the corresponding Route guidance is performed based on route information generated based on the destination, current location, etc.

FIG. 14 shows audio output processing in navigation operation when the operation mode is set to normal mode. In the navigation operation in the normal mode, the guide screen GV2 illustrated in FIG. 9(d) is displayed on the display unit 5. The guide screen GV2 displays information such as a place name, direction, scale, and time in addition to a map including the current position acquired in step S11. On the guide screen GV2, the mascot character image C is not displayed.

In step S61 of FIG. 14, the control unit 18 selects an event corresponding to any event number defined in the first or third audio correspondence table based on the current position acquired in step S11, the set route information, etc. Determine whether this is occurring. If no event has occurred, step S61 is repeatedly executed (step S61; No).

If an event has occurred (step S61: Yes), the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event number are specified from the first or third audio correspondence table (step S62), and correspond to the specified phrase number. By reproducing the recorded data, a guidance voice is output (step S63). Step S63 ends when the guidance time specified in step S62 elapses, and then the process returns to step S61.

As a result, navigation is performed by displaying the guidance screen GV2 without the mascot image C and by outputting the guidance voice in normal voice.

FIG. 15 shows audio output/character display processing in navigation operation when the operation mode is set to loose navigation mode. In the navigation operation in the Yuru Navi mode, the display unit 5 displays an image C of Yuru Chara superimposed on the guide screen GV1 similar to the guide screen GV2 in FIG. 9(d), as illustrated in FIG. 9(b). Is displayed. The Yuru-chara image C displayed here is the image of the Yuru-chara selected at that time (the Yuru-chara selected in the display mode selection process of FIG. 12 or the Yuru-chara selection process of FIG. 13).

In step S71, the control unit 18 determines whether an event corresponding to any of the event numbers specified in the first to third audio correspondence tables has occurred based on the current position acquired in step S11, the set route information, etc. Determine whether the

If no event has occurred, in step S72, the mascot character image C is operated according to its normal operation, and then the process returns to step S71. In this way, unless an event occurs, steps S71 and S72 are repeatedly executed, and the image C of the mascot character performing normal actions is continuously displayed. During this time, no guidance voice is output.

If an event has occurred in step S71 (step S71: Yes), the process moves to step S73, and it is determined whether the event that has occurred is a POI event specified in the third audio correspondence table. In step S74, it is determined whether the mascot character selected at that time is a specific mascot character.

If the determination in step S73 is affirmative (Yes), in step S75, the phrase number and guide time corresponding to the event that has occurred are specified from the third audio correspondence table.

If the determination in step S74 is negative (No) (if a Yuru-chara other than the specific Yuru-chara is selected), in Step S76, the phrase number and guide time corresponding to the event that has occurred are identified from the first voice correspondence table. be done.

If the determination in step S74 is affirmative (Yes) (if a specific loose character is selected), in step S77, the phrase number and guide time corresponding to the event that has occurred are specified from the second audio correspondence table.

In steps S75 to S77, if a plurality of phrase numbers and guidance times corresponding to the event that occurred are defined in the first to third audio correspondence tables, one of the phrase numbers and guidance times selected from them is specified. is specified. The selection here is preferably performed in a sequential manner. For example, when an event (for example, event 391) occurs in which a specific Yuru-chara is selected, the phrase number specified in the latest step S77 executed in the past for the same event (event 391) If it is the third phrase "IE_AN_470", in this step S77, the fourth phrase number "IE_AN_471" and guidance time ("11.844") are specified. This prevents the same phrase from being output repeatedly even if the same event occurs frequently.

After steps S75 to S77, the process moves to step S78. In step S78, the motion number corresponding to the phrase number identified in steps S75 to S77 is identified from the motion correspondence table of FIG.

In the following step S79, a guidance voice is output by reproducing the voice data corresponding to the phrase number specified in steps S75 to S77, and an image of Yuru-chara is output according to the specific motion data of the specific number specified in step S78. Processing for operating C is performed.

As a result, the guidance screen GV1 displaying the Yuru-chara image C is displayed, and the guidance voice is output by normal voice (in the case of step S75), Yuru-chara voice (in the case of step S76), or the user's own voice (in the case of step S77). navigation is performed, and the image C of Yuru-chara is speaking or listening to the audio content corresponding to each event, using specific movements corresponding to each event that are different from regular movements, and using gestures. It is possible to create a performance that makes it seem as if the animal is actually there.

Step S79 ends when the guidance time specified in steps S75 to S77 has elapsed, and then the process returns to step S71.

<Initial navigation operation>
In the initial state (for example, when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory), it is preferable to display a default character on the screen to provide guidance such as operation explanations.

Thereafter, when the operation mode is set to the normal mode and the navigation operation is started, a voice output process similar to that described with reference to FIG. 14 is executed while displaying the guidance screen GV2 in which the character is not displayed.

On the other hand, if the navigation operation is started in a state where the YuruNavi mode is set and the display mode selection process shown in FIG. 12 has not been performed, the image of the default character is displayed on the guide screen GV in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 9(b). In this state, the same audio output/character display process as in FIG. 15 is executed. As a result, the product concept in which loose characters are displayed according to the display mode selected in the display mode selection process can be maintained even in the operation immediately after the initial state. In the audio output/character display processing at this time, it is preferable to treat the default character as a normal character (not a specific character).

<Navigation operation immediately after power-on or resume>
A description will be given of a process when the navigation operation is started immediately after the power is turned on or resumed after the display mode selection process in FIG. 12 is executed.

In the normal mode, there is no difference from the navigation operation in the normal mode described with reference to FIG.

When the navigation operation is started immediately after the power is turned on or resumed in the easy navigation mode, the same navigation operation as in the normal mode is executed until the positioning information is acquired in step S11. That is, with the guidance screen GV2 displayed, the audio output process described with reference to FIG. 14 is executed.

Thereafter, when the positioning information is successfully acquired in step S11, the currently selected Yuru-chara appears on the guide screen GV2, and then navigation operations in the normal Yuru-Navi mode are performed. That is, while the guide screen GV1 is displayed, the audio output/character display process described with reference to FIG. 15 is executed. By performing the above effect, it is possible to notify the user that positioning has been successful.

<Display of Yuruchara information>
When the "Yuru-chara" button is touched on the navigation menu screen shown in FIG. 8(b), the control section 18 displays the Yuru-chara screen shown in FIG. 16(a). Here, when the "Yuru-chara information" button is operated, the control unit 18 reads out the setting information of the currently selected Yuru-chara from the Yuru-chara information, and displays the Yuru-chara information screen shown in FIG. 16(b).

The broken lines in FIG. 16(b) are explanatory lines indicating fields A to E set on the screen. Each field A to E displays each information of field data DA to DF. This Yuru-chara information screen allows the user to learn more about the selected Yuru-chara. Furthermore, since the layout of fields A to E is fixed and the field data DA to DF displayed in each field A to E are standard attributes for many mascot characters, we have provided an explanation that is easy for users to understand. Can be provided. On the other hand, depending on the type of yuru-chara, non-standard attribute data can be displayed in fields A to E, making it easier to explain the special characteristics of yuru-kyara that are difficult to explain in a conventional manner.

When "National Yuru-chara Encyclopedia" is touched on the Yuru-chara screen shown in FIG. 16(a), the control unit 18 displays the Yuru-chara list screen shown in FIG. Display. On the Yuruchara list screen, the names of each region (47 prefectures) are displayed in a list. For the Yuru-chara that has already been acquired, the image of that Yuru-chara is displayed in the corresponding region of the list. Furthermore, for a specific mascot character who emits his/her own voice, a mark M consisting of characters such as "with voice" indicating this fact is displayed. The mark M may be displayed even if the specific character is not included in the permitted character list. This makes it clear to the user that the specific character has not yet been acquired, and can motivate the user to acquire it.

On the Yuruchara list screen, you can scroll the list by touching the scroll button on the right side.

When "map display" is touched on the Yuru-chara list screen of FIG. 17(a), the control unit 18 displays the national Yuru-chara encyclopedia screen shown in FIG. 17(b). On the nationwide Yuru-chara screen, regions corresponding to already acquired Yuru-charas and regions corresponding to unacquired Yuru-charas are displayed on a simplified map in a distinguishable manner. As a mode of identification, it is preferable to hide the name of the region corresponding to the acquired mascot character, as shown in the figure. By clearly indicating the region that has not been acquired, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the mascot character of the region as an acquisition target. Alternatively, areas corresponding to acquired or unacquired mascot characters may be shaded.

When the user touches a desired region on the national Yuru-chara encyclopedia screen of FIG. 17(b), the Yuru-chara information screen of FIG. 16(b) may be displayed for the Yuru-chara corresponding to that region. In this case, display of the Yuru-chara information screen may be permitted only for the Yuru-chara that has already been acquired.

On the Yuru-chara list screen and the national Yuru-chara encyclopedia screen, the number of acquired and unacquired Yuru-charas are also displayed. When the "Current location" button is touched on the Yuru-chara list screen or the National Yuru-chara picture book screen, the screen returns to the guide screen GV1 or GV2 shown in FIG. 9(b) or (d), depending on the operating mode at that time.

<Complete performance>
As described above, the user can increase the number of acquired mascot characters by mounting the navigation device 1 on a vehicle or the like and moving around. Then, when the user has acquired Yuru-kyara from all prefectures, the control unit 18 performs a completion effect to notify the user that the acquisition of Yuru-kyara has been completed.

That is, when the 47th mascot character is added to the permitted character list, it is determined that event 428 has occurred. If the currently selected mascot character is not a specific mascot character, the complete production process shown in FIG. 18 is executed.

In the complete performance process, in step S81, if the guide screen GV1 is being displayed in the Yuru Navi mode, the Yuru character image C is removed from the guide screen GV1. In other cases, the guide screen GV2 without the mascot image C is displayed.

In the following step S82, an image C of a specific loose character appears on the guide screen GV of step S81.

Thereafter, in step S83, the phrase number ("IE_AN_600") and guidance time ("8.434") corresponding to the event 428 are specified, and in step S84, the motion data ("comp_08") corresponding to the phrase number ("IE_AN_600") is specified. ”) is specified.

In the subsequent step S85, a guidance voice is output by reproducing the audio data corresponding to the audio phrase specified in step S83, and the Yuru-chara image C is moved according to the movement data of the specific movement specified in step S84. Processing is performed to

As a result, a special guidance voice such as "All Yuru-Chara Complete~ National Conquest~" is output while the image C of the specific Yuru-Chara is displayed on the guidance screen GV.

Step S85 ends when the guidance time specified in step S83 elapses, and then the image C of the specific mascot character is removed from the screen (step S86), and furthermore, thereafter, the display on the display unit 5 is changed to a state before the complete effect processing. The state is returned to, and the complete performance process ends.

By using such a complete effect using the guidance voice and the display of the specific action using the image C of the specific mascot, it is possible to impress upon the user that the acquisition of the mascot is complete. Furthermore, by performing a completion effect even when the navigation is not in progress, it is possible to reliably notify the user that the navigation has been completed. Note that it may be possible to set the complete performance to be performed only during the navigation operation or during the navigation operation in the mascot mode.

If the selected Yuru-chara is a specific Yuru-chara at the time when it is determined that the event 428 has occurred, steps S77 to S79 of the audio output/character display processing are executed, in the same manner as above. , a complete performance will be performed.

<Hide Yuruchara image>
If a specific situation (for example, approaching an intersection where you should change course) occurs during navigation operation in Yuru Navi mode, the priority order of the auxiliary screen set on the registration/edit screen shown in Fig. 10(c) will be used as shown in Fig. 9. The screen display is switched from the guidance screen GV in (b) to the auxiliary guidance screen GV3 in FIG. In the auxiliary guidance screen GV3, map information similar to the guidance screen of FIG. 9(b) is displayed on the left side of the screen, and an auxiliary screen such as an enlarged view of an intersection is displayed on the right side of the screen.

On such an auxiliary guide screen, the mascot character image C is not displayed in order to avoid impairing the visibility of the information displayed on the auxiliary screen.

The guide screen GV1 in FIG. 9(b) may also be configured so that the Yuru-chara image C can be hidden by touching the Yuru-chara image C or the like. Thereby, the visibility of information at the display position of the mascot image C can be improved.

Furthermore, during the demonstration run, Yuru-Chara will not be acquired nor will Yuru-Chara be displayed. In this case, for example, the user instructs the control unit 18 that this is a demonstration run. In this case, the control unit 18 can set only the normal mode.

The invention disclosed in this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, there are 47 mascot characters in total, one character per prefecture, but the number can be arbitrary. Furthermore, the size and number of areas to which Yuru-kyara are allocated can be arbitrary, such as collecting Yuru-kyara in units of towns and villages.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which recorded data obtained by recording the utterances of an announcer, voice actor, etc. is used as voice data for all guidance voices. (guidance voice) may be output by converting text data to TTS (Text to Talk).

Below is a copy of each claim as filed.
<Claim 1>
A display control device that provides information related to a map including multiple regions,
1. A display control device comprising a control means for controlling a display means to display an image of one of a plurality of characters whose correspondence with a plurality of regions is defined.
<Claim 2>
The control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters;
The control means adds the character corresponding to the region to which the display control device has moved to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control device has moved to the region in which a correspondence relationship with the character is defined. The display control device according to claim 1.
<Claim 3>
The control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters;
The control means is characterized in that the display control device newly adds any of the characters selected from the plurality of characters to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control device has moved a predetermined distance. The display control device according to claim 1 or 2.
<Claim 4>
The plurality of characters includes at least one default character,
4. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein when the character is not included in the permitted character group, the control means displays an image of the default character on the display means.
<Claim 5>
further comprising mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in different ways based on a user's operation,
5. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays the character selected according to the mode selected by the mode selection means on the display means.
<Claim 6>
the plurality of modes include a first mode,
6. The display control device according to claim 5, wherein when the first mode is selected, the control means displays an image of the character designated by the user on the display means.
<Claim 7>
the plurality of modes include a second mode,
6. When the second mode is selected, the control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character associated with the area where the display control device is currently located. 6. The display control device according to 6.
<Claim 8>
the plurality of modes include a third mode,
When the third mode is selected, the control means displays a different image of the character on the display means every time the display control device moves a predetermined distance. 7. The display control device according to any one of 7.
<Claim 9>
further comprising display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user's operation,
The control means controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the display mode is selected, and controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the non-display mode is selected. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the display control device does not perform.
<Claim 10>
A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Claims (4)

A function to detect the distance traveled,
A function to display acquired characters,
A function to obtain characters corresponding to prefectures,
Equipped with
The function to obtain is
A function to obtain a character corresponding to the prefecture when you cross the prefectural border and move to another prefecture for the first time.
A function to acquire a character corresponding to a new prefecture according to the movement of a predetermined distance even if the character is only moving within the same prefecture.
A system with The function to obtain is
The system according to claim 1, wherein even if the vehicle is traveling only within the same prefecture, a corresponding character corresponding to another prefecture is acquired according to the movement of the predetermined travel distance. mounted on the vehicle,
A function to detect the distance traveled,
A function to display acquired characters,
A function to obtain characters corresponding to prefectures,
Equipped with
The function to obtain is
A function to obtain a character corresponding to the prefecture when you cross the prefectural border and drive to another prefecture for the first time.
A function that acquires a character corresponding to a new prefecture according to the movement of a predetermined distance even when driving only within the same prefecture.
A system with A program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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