JPH11142178A - Navigation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote utilization of a route guide processing which is the most essential function of a navigation apparatus. SOLUTION: In a simple processing mode, when a vehicle engine is turned on or a vehicle waits for a signal change (S100: YES, S160: YES), an input guidance sound 'Where are you going?' is automatically output from a navigation apparatus 2 (S130). In other words, a user's manipulation required in a normal processing mode (S120) to switch so that a command can be input via voice or input a command via voice, etc., is eliminated. When is necessary is to simply input a required destination via voice in accordance with the input guidance sound from the navigation apparatus 2, so that the manipulation becomes so simple. Since a route guide processing is carried out automatically, the user needs not remember a command to select the route guide processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device that outputs an input guidance voice and performs a process such as route guidance based on the input voice, for example, a destination.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when searching for and guiding a route in a navigation apparatus, a user is required to input a destination of the route. There is also known a navigation device having a voice interaction function of inputting a desired destination in accordance with the input guidance voice of the device. Specific examples of operations and dialogues up to voice input of the destination are as follows. It is something. In the following operation / interaction examples, the navigation device is abbreviated as “navi”.

[0003] User: Operates a trigger switch installed to start interactive processing. Navi: Outputs input guidance voice saying "Please speak voice command" User: Voice input to "Destination setting" Navi: Voice output of "Please tell me how to set destination" User: Voice input of "Address" Navi: Voice output of "Please tell address" User: "Showa, Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture" Voice input saying "town" Navigation: Voice output saying "Are you sure in Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi?" User: Voice input saying "Yes" Through the operations and dialogs of ~, the destination ( (In this case, Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi), the navigation device searches for a route from the current location to the destination,
When the route is set, guidance is started.

[0004]

However, in the case of the method of inputting a destination according to the above-described interactive procedure, a trigger switch provided for starting the interactive processing shown in the above-mentioned operation / interactive example is provided. Must be operated at the discretion of the user. In this case, if the user is unfamiliar with the operation, the user may give up on the operation which is confusing to the operation. Further, even if the trigger switch is operated, there are many voice input operations that must be performed by the user at present. For this reason, for example, assuming a car navigation device, it is often the case that a destination cannot be set during a short stop such as when waiting for a traffic light, and in many cases, the route search and guidance functions are not actually used up.

[0005] In the above-mentioned operation / interaction example, the user inputs a command "destination setting" by voice. However, in a device that requires such a voice input, the command itself is memorized. Otherwise, it may not be possible to start the route guidance process. Under such circumstances, the route guidance function of the navigation device is not sufficiently used in practice, and usually only plays a role of a mere electronic atlas. The navigation functions such as "turn right / left guidance", "intersection guidance",
Alternatively, most of the guidance functions such as “highway guidance” are various types of guidance processing performed based on a set route after a route search is performed, so that these functions cannot be used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device which solves such a problem and realizes the use promotion of the route guidance processing which is the most essential function of the navigation device. Therefore, a first object is to enable the user to easily use the route guidance function without using an active operation. A second object is to enable a route search / guidance function to be executed with a simple input operation.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation apparatus for performing a route as a navigation process when a predetermined processing start condition is satisfied. Simple processing means for automatically starting the guidance processing is provided.
When the processing is started, the input guidance means is automatically made to output an input guidance voice prompting the input of the destination, and the route guidance processing is executed based on the destination input via the voice input means, so that it is configured. The route guidance function can be easily used without relying on the user's own active operation. Therefore, the use promotion of the route guidance processing, which is the most essential function of the navigation device, can be realized.

[0008] According to the navigation apparatus of the present invention, the user is required to perform a predetermined navigation process through the voice input means such as a microphone. Data input is performed, and voice input by the user of the predetermined navigation processing-related data is performed according to the input guidance voice output by the input guidance means. As the navigation processing, at least two or more types of processing including a route guidance processing can be performed, and a predetermined navigation processing is executed based on predetermined navigation processing-related data input via a voice input unit. When the navigation processing is the route guidance processing, the “predetermined navigation processing-related data that needs to be specified in performing the navigation processing” includes, for example, a “destination”. The navigation processing other than the route guidance processing includes map display processing and facility display processing. In the case of map display processing, the "predetermined navigation processing-related data" includes, for example, "desired display location", "enlargement" and "reduction". In the case of the facility display processing, the "predetermined navigation processing-related data" includes, for example, a display desired facility name (for example, a gas station or a bank).

As described above, two or more types of processing can be performed as the navigation processing, but when the mode is switched to the simple processing mode, the route guidance processing is automatically started. On the other hand, when the switching to the normal processing mode is set, the user is caused to select one of two or more types of processing including the route guidance processing, and the selected processing is executed. Then, when switching to the simple processing mode is set,
When a predetermined processing start condition is satisfied, the input guidance means automatically outputs an input guidance voice prompting input of a destination for route search, and performs a route guidance process based on the destination input via the voice input means. Do it.

As described above, if the mode is switched to the simple processing mode, the route guidance processing is automatically started.
The user does not need to perform an operation of selecting a route guidance process from two or more types of navigation processes. Then, when the route guidance processing is started, an input guidance sound for prompting the input of the destination from the input guidance means is output by using a predetermined processing start condition, for example, power supply to the navigation device as a trigger. The user only needs to input the destination by voice in accordance with the input guidance voice, and the operation becomes very simple.

For example, in the operation and dialogue example shown in the above-mentioned prior art, after a user operates a trigger switch for starting a dialogue process, the user is asked to speak a voice command on the navigation device side. In response to the question, the user inputs "destination setting" by voice, selects the type of navigation processing, and then specifies the destination in response to the question "Please tell me how to set the destination" on the navigation device side. I had to follow the procedure of inputting. On the other hand, in the present invention, when the simple processing mode is set, it is only necessary to immediately input the destination by voice in response to an inquiry on the navigation device side, which is very simple. Therefore, assuming, for example, an in-vehicle navigation device, it is easy to set a destination during a short stop such as at a traffic light, and the route guidance processing is automatically executed. It is not necessary to remember the command itself for selecting the route guidance processing. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the route guidance process cannot be selected because the user does not know the command itself. In that respect, the use of the route guidance process can be promoted.

As described above, it is possible to promote the use of the route guidance processing, which is the most essential function of the navigation device. Of course, if the processing is set to the normal processing mode, processing other than the path setting processing can be selected. Therefore, the switching may be set according to the convenience of the user.

From the viewpoint of simplifying the operation of the user, the following contrivance can be considered. This is based on the premise that, in the simple processing mode, when a destination is input by the user in response to the input guidance voice, the input guidance means outputs a voice of the input destination for confirmation. is there. In this case, if the user
Although it is conceivable to input a voice with an affirmative content as described above, as shown in claim 2, even if a predetermined time has passed since the time when the destination was voice-outputted for confirmation, the voice via the voice input means is output. If there is no input, the input destination is determined, and route guidance processing is executed based on the destination. That is, if the user does not input anything, it is presumed to be affirmative, and the process automatically proceeds, thereby reducing the number of user operations.

In the simple processing mode, the input guidance means outputs the input guidance voice prompting the user to input a destination when a predetermined processing start condition is satisfied. It is conceivable to determine that the condition is satisfied when the supply is made. The fact that power is supplied to the navigation device is because the user will want to use the route guidance function in the near future. When the navigation device is mounted on a vehicle, generally, power is supplied to the navigation device when an ignition switch of the vehicle is operated. This is because, when the ignition switch is operated, the vehicle is expected to start traveling in the near future, and it is considered that it is often desired to use the route guidance function along with the traveling. Therefore, if the navigation device actively prompts the user to input a destination at such a timing, the request of the user is anticipated, which is effective in improving convenience.

Not only when the navigation device is turned on or the vehicle engine is started, but also when the vehicle equipped with the navigation device can be regarded as temporarily stopped for a traffic light. Also, it may be determined that the predetermined processing start condition is satisfied. This is because there seems to be many actual demands for inputting a destination while the vehicle is temporarily stopped at a traffic light. That is, the destination is not always determined before traveling, and the user may decide the destination only after traveling for a while. Therefore, as an opportunity to input a destination by voice in such a situation, when the vehicle is temporarily stopped for a signal, if the navigation device actively prompts the user to input the destination, it is effective in terms of improving convenience. It is.

If a destination is set, a route to the destination is calculated, and a process for guiding a route to which the vehicle actually travels is performed, the vehicle waits for a traffic light. Input guidance voice is not output even if the vehicle is temporarily stopped. This is because there is basically no need to set a destination. However, in actual use, there is a case where it is desired to change the destination once set on the way, but in such a case, a mode in which a new route guidance is provided by an operation switch may be used.

By the way, as a destination to be inputted through the voice input means in response to the input guidance voice from the input guidance means, for example, an address such as "Showa-cho in Kariya city, Aichi prefecture" and a facility such as "Tokyo Disneyland" It is convenient to be able to input any name, phone number, or pre-registered location. And when there is such a plurality of types of input methods, as shown in the prior art, the input method may be specified first, and then a procedure of inputting a destination according to the specified input method may be used. In terms of simplification of the operation of the user, it is preferable that the input can be performed without specifying the input method. That is,
The user responds to the input guidance voice such as “Please input the destination” on the navigation device side,
"Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi", "Tokyo Disneyland",
"0566-25-5511", "memory A", etc. are immediately input by voice. The navigation device determines which type (address, facility name, telephone number, memory point) to input based on the voice input of the destination, and further specifies the destination.

[0018]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation device 2 as one embodiment of the present invention. The navigation device 2 is an on-vehicle device, and includes a position detector 4, a map data input device 6, an operation switch group 8, a control circuit 10 connected thereto, and a control circuit 10.
, An external memory 12, a display 14, a remote control sensor 15, and a voice recognition unit 30 connected to the external memory 12. The control circuit 10 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O
O and a bus line connecting these components are provided.

The position detector 4 is a well-known geomagnetic sensor 1.
6. GPS (Gl) for detecting the position of the vehicle based on radio waves from the gyroscope 18, the distance sensor 20, and satellites
GPS receiver 22 for obal Positioning System)
have. These sensors and the like 16, 18, 20, 2
2 is configured to be used while interpolating each with a plurality of sensors because each has an error having a different property. It should be noted that depending on the accuracy, a part of the above-described components may be used, and a rotation sensor for the steering wheel, a wheel sensor for each rolling wheel, or the like may be used.

The map data input device 6 is a device for inputting various data including so-called map matching data, map data and landmark data for improving the accuracy of position detection. As a medium, CD-R
Although OM is generally used, another medium such as a DVD or a memory card may be used.

The display 14 is a color display. On the screen of the display 14, the vehicle current position mark input from the position detector 4, the map data input from the map data input device 6, and the map It is possible to superimpose and display additional data such as a guidance route displayed above and a mark of a set point described later.

The navigation device 2 is a remote control terminal (hereinafter, referred to as a remote control) 15.
When the position of the destination is input from the remote control sensor 15 or the operation switch group 8 via a, the optimum route from the current position to the destination is automatically selected, and a guidance route is formed and displayed. It also has a route guidance function. As a technique for automatically setting the optimum route, a technique such as the Dijkstra method is known. As the operation switch group 8, for example, a touch switch or a mechanical switch integrated with the display 14 is used.
Used for various inputs.

The voice recognition unit 30 is used when the operation switch group 8 or the remote controller 15a is used for manually instructing a destination or the like.
This is a device that allows a user to similarly designate a destination or the like by voice input. The present invention is based on the premise that the destination and the like are input by voice as described above.
Alternatively, the destination may not be specified by the operation of the remote controller 15a. However, when the device is actually configured as an in-vehicle device, it is preferable that both input methods are enabled. It is like that.

The voice recognition unit 30 includes a voice recognition unit 31, a dialogue control unit 32, a voice synthesis unit 33, a voice extraction unit 34, a microphone 35 as "voice input means",
A PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch 36, a speaker 37 for outputting input guidance voice as "input guidance means", and a control unit 38 are provided.

The speech recognition unit 31 performs a speech recognition process on the speech data input from the speech extraction unit 34 in accordance with an instruction from the dialog control unit 32, and returns the recognition result to the dialog control unit 32. That is, the voice data acquired from the voice extraction unit 34 is collated using the stored dictionary data, and a higher-level comparison target pattern having a higher degree of coincidence with a plurality of comparison target pattern candidates is compared with the dialogue control unit 32. Output to The recognition of the word sequence in the input speech is performed by the speech extraction unit 3
The sound data inputted from the step 4 are sequentially subjected to acoustic analysis to extract an acoustic feature (for example, cepstrum), and to obtain acoustic feature time-series data obtained by the acoustic analysis. The time-series data is divided into several sections by a well-known DP matching method, an HMM (Hidden Markov Model), a neural network, or the like, and a word corresponding to each section stored as dictionary data is obtained. .

The dialogue control unit 32 outputs a response voice to the voice synthesizer 33 based on the recognition result of the voice recognition unit 31 and a command from the control unit 38, or a control circuit 10 for executing processing of the system itself. For example, a process for notifying a destination required for the navigation process and instructing to execute the setting process is executed. Such processing is post-determination processing. As a result, if this voice recognition unit 30 is used, the destination of the navigation device 2 can be indicated to the navigation device 2 by voice input without manually operating the operation switch group 8 or the remote controller 15a. And so on.

In the case of performing a predetermined navigation process by inputting a destination or the like through voice communication with the navigation device 2 in this embodiment, the normal processing mode and the simple processing mode are used in this embodiment. Can be set to switch. Specifically, the setting is performed by operating the operation switch group 8 or the remote controller 15a. In the present embodiment, the setting screen is displayed on the display 1 by a predetermined operation.
4, and the setting is switched by setting the setting item “simple processing mode” on the setting screen to “on” or “off”. That is, if the "simple processing mode" is turned on, the simple processing mode is set, and if the "simple processing mode" is turned off, the normal processing mode is set.

The contents of the normal processing mode and the simple processing mode will be briefly described. The normal processing means according to the normal processing mode allows a user to select a plurality of functions of the navigation device 2 and executes processing of the selected function. On the other hand, the simple processing means relating to the simple processing mode automatically executes the processing of the route guidance function exclusively for the route guidance function. The processing contents of the normal processing mode and the simple processing mode will be described later in detail.

The speech synthesizing unit 33 uses the speech waveform stored in the waveform database, and
Synthesizes a voice based on a response voice output instruction from the user. This synthesized voice is output from the speaker 37.
The voice extraction unit 34 converts the surrounding voice captured by the microphone 35 into digital data and outputs the digital data to the voice recognition unit 31.

Also, in the present embodiment, the user
This is a usage method in which a voice is input via the microphone 35 while pressing the TT switch 36. Specifically, the control unit 38 monitors the timing when the PTT switch 36 is pressed, the timing when the PTT switch 36 is returned, and the time when the pressed state continues, and when the PTT switch 36 is pressed, the voice extracting unit 34 is instructed to execute processing. On the other hand, PT
If the T switch 36 is not pressed, the processing is not executed. Therefore, the voice data input via the microphone 35 while the PTT switch 36 is pressed is output to the voice recognition unit 31.

Next, the navigation device 2 of the present embodiment
Will be described. When the ignition switch 3 is operated and the engine is turned on (S100: YES),
Power is also supplied to the navigation device 2. In that case, it is first determined whether or not the setting is the simple processing mode (S110). As described above, the setting screen is displayed on the display 14 by a predetermined operation, and if the setting item “simple processing mode” in the setting screen is turned on, the simple processing mode is set. Is turned off, the normal processing mode is set. Therefore, whether or not the simple processing mode is set is determined based on whether or not this setting item is on.

If the setting is not the simple processing mode (S1
10: NO), and proceeds to S120 to execute processing in the normal processing mode. Here, processing in the case of the normal processing mode will be described. In this normal processing mode,
A specific process starts when the user operates a trigger switch for starting the interactive process. Here, a PTT switch 36 is used as a trigger switch. Therefore, when the PTT switch 36 is operated, first, the dialog control unit 32 of the voice recognition unit 30 synthesizes and outputs the input guidance voice “Please speak voice command” via the voice synthesis unit 33 and the speaker 37. Then, since the user who has heard the input guidance voice inputs a desired command from the microphone 35, the navigation device 2 proceeds with the process based on the input voice.

For example, when the user inputs "destination setting" as a voice command, the apparatus outputs an input guidance voice "Please tell me how to set the destination", , The device outputs an input guidance voice saying "Please speak your address." Then, if the user voice-inputs "Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi" as the address, the device side talks back, "Are you sure in Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi?" To let the user confirm the recognition result. . afterwards,
When the user inputs the confirmation word “Yes” by voice, for example, “Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi” is determined as the destination in the above specific example. Then, the navigation device 2 searches for a route from the current location to the determined destination, and executes a guidance process for a guide point on the route.

This is the processing content in the normal processing mode. On the other hand, if the setting is in the simple processing mode (S1
10: YES), and proceeds to S130 to start processing in the simple processing mode. In S130, which is the first process in the simple processing mode, the dialog control unit 32
3 and an input guidance sound “Which place do you go?” Is output via the speaker 37.

In the following S140, it is determined whether or not there is a voice input. As described above, the voice extracting unit 34 determines whether the voice section is a voice section or a noise section based on the voice data input via the microphone 35, and the determination result is input to the control unit 38. The unit 38 determines whether there is a voice input based on the determination result. If there is a voice input (S140: YES), S17 in FIG.
However, the processing after S170 will be described later.

On the other hand, when there is no voice input (S14)
0: NO), and proceeds to S150 to determine whether a timeout has occurred, that is, whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S150: N
O), the process returns to S140 and waits for a voice input. If a predetermined time has elapsed (S150: YES), the process returns to S1.
The process shifts to 60, and it is determined whether or not it is in a signal waiting state.

In this step S160, the judgment is not to detect that the vehicle is temporarily stopped by an actual signal, but to estimate and judge that such a state is present. For example, a state where the engine is ON but the vehicle speed is zero may be detected, and it may be determined that the state is a signal waiting state. If it is determined that the vehicle is in the signal waiting state (S160: YE
S), returning to S130, and outputting the input guidance voice of "Where do you want to go?" Therefore, when the simple processing mode is set, when the engine is turned on, an input guidance voice of “Where do you want to go?” Is output, and if there is no voice input at that time, Each time the vehicle travels and stops temporarily at the traffic light, an input guidance sound of "Which place do you want to go?" Is output. Of course, if the vehicle is stopped without departure after the engine is turned on, an affirmative determination is made in S150, that is, even if it is determined that a timeout has occurred, it is determined in the following S160 that the vehicle is in a signal waiting state.
Returning to 0, an input guidance voice "Which place do you want to go?" Is output.

Next, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 3, of the processing from S170, to which the process proceeds when a positive determination is made in S140, that is, when there is a voice input. In S170, a recognition process for the input voice is performed. This voice recognition processing is executed by the voice recognition unit 31. Specifically, the obtained voice data is collated using stored dictionary data. Then, a comparison target pattern determined based on the comparison result or point specifying data corresponding to the comparison target pattern is output to the interaction control unit 32 as a recognition result.

Here, the intention of “point identification data corresponding to the pattern to be compared” will be described. Although it is assumed that the destination is input by voice, in the present embodiment, the destination to be input is, for example, an address such as "Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi" or "Tokyo Disneyland".
Any of the four types of facility names, telephone numbers, and points registered in advance can be input. Therefore, if the destination is voice input, for example, instead of the comparison target pattern corresponding to the voice indicating the address itself, such as "Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Prefecture," It is easier to handle the case where it is sent to the control circuit 10 side. The map data input from the storage medium via the map data input device 6 is set with data corresponding to these addresses and facilities. Therefore, the map data having this correspondence is stored in the dictionary of the voice recognition unit 31. This can be realized by storing the information in the dialog box and outputting the data as point specifying data to the dialog control unit 32 after the speech recognition. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the speech recognition unit 31 of the speech recognition unit 30 recognizes the address, the facility name, the telephone number, the recognition dictionary for the memory location, and the correspondence so that the four types of voice input of the destination can be supported. Point identification data is prepared. When the destination is input, the voice recognition unit 31 outputs the corresponding point specifying data.
Is output to the dialogue control unit 32, and is output from the dialogue control unit 32 to the control circuit 10.

Accordingly, in the case of the simple processing mode, the user inputs an input guidance voice on the navigation device 2 saying "Please input a destination" (S130).
In response to the above, for example, it is only necessary to suddenly input a voice such as "Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi", "Tokyo Disneyland", "0566-25-5511", "Memory A" or the like.

At S180, the recognition result is talked back. That is, the dialog control unit 32 is
Is controlled, and the recognized result is output from the speaker 37 by voice. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a voice input in S190, and if there is no voice input (S190: N
O) In S200, it is determined whether a timeout has occurred. Then, without voice input (S190: N
O), if a timeout occurs (S200: YE)
S), the recognition result of the talk back in S210 is determined. Since the determined recognition result is the destination input by the user, the voice recognition unit 30 converts the recognition result into the control circuit 1 in the form of the point identification data as described above.
0, and the control circuit 10 executes route calculation and guidance processing based on the destination (S220).

The route calculation process in S220 is performed by the GPS
The cost is calculated by the Dijkstra method between the current position of the vehicle obtained based on the satellite data obtained from the receiver 22 and the destination determined in S210, and for example, the shortest distance from the current position to the destination is calculated. This is a process of obtaining the route of (i) as a guidance route. The route guidance process is a process of displaying a guidance route on a road map on the display 14 and guiding the driver to an appropriate route. The calculation process and the guidance process for obtaining such a guide route are generally well-known processes, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, a positive determination is made in S190, that is, S1
If there is a voice input from the user for the content of the talkback of the recognition result at 80, the process proceeds to S230, and it is determined whether or not the content of the input voice is a negative word equivalent to “No”. If the content of the input voice is a negative word equivalent to "No" (S230: YE
S), returning to S130 of FIG. 2, "Where do you want to go?"
Is output. That is, S18
If the recognition result talked back at 0 is different from the content desired by the user, the user cannot input the content as it is, so the user performs a voice input of negative content of "No". In this case, since it is necessary to input the destination again by voice, the input guidance voice "Which place do you want to go?" Is output again.

If the content of the input voice is not a negative word equivalent to "No" (S230: NO), S240
Executes the corresponding process. The corresponding process in S240 is, for example, when the content of the input voice is a negative word equivalent to “Yes”, the process proceeds to S210, or when the content of the input voice is a predetermined command, Or a process corresponding to. This point is supplemented. As described above, if a predetermined time has passed without any voice input after the talkback of the recognition result in S180 (S190: NO, S200: YE
S), the user determines that the recognition is affirmative and determines the recognition result as it is (S210). However, since a user who inputs a voice with a negative word corresponding to “Yes” is also conceivable, the process proceeds to S210 if the content of the input voice is a negative word corresponding to “Yes”. On the other hand, the simple processing mode is a dedicated mode for the route guidance processing as described above. However, since it is assumed that another function may be used even during the processing, the content of the input voice is a predetermined command. Then, the process exits from the simple processing mode and executes a process corresponding to the input command.

In this embodiment, the engine O
It has been described that the input guidance voice “Which way do you go?” Is output every time a predetermined condition is satisfied after N. However, the number of outputs is counted, and when the predetermined number of times is reached, the input guidance voice is output. The output may be stopped. This is effective when the user does not need the route guidance function. In this case, when the engine state is established in the order of ON → OFF → ON, the processes from S110 onward in FIG. 2 may be executed.

By performing such processing,
The navigation device 2 of the present embodiment has the following effects. (1) When the simple processing mode is set, when the engine is turned on or when waiting for a signal, the navigation device 2 automatically outputs an input guidance voice "Which way do you want to go?" Is done. That is, after operating the PTT switch 36 to input a voice command,
In the case of the normal processing mode in which a command for executing the route guidance processing is input by voice, a necessary active operation by the user himself is unnecessary. In other words, it is only necessary to input a desired destination by voice in response to the input guidance voice "Which place do you want to go?" From the navigation device 2, and the operation becomes extremely simple. Therefore, it is also possible to easily set the destination during a short stop such as when waiting for a traffic light. Further, since the route guidance processing is automatically executed, the user does not have to remember the command itself for selecting the route guidance processing. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the route guidance process cannot be selected because the user does not know the command itself. In this respect, the route search / guidance function can be executed by a simple input operation, and the use of the route guidance process is promoted. be able to.

(2) In the simple processing mode, when a user talks back to a destination to which the user has input voice and asks the user to confirm the content, voice input is not performed even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the talkback. If not, (S190: NO,
S200: YES), finalize the input destination (S21)
0). That is, if the user does not input anything, it is presumed to be affirmative, and the process automatically proceeds, so that the number of operations by the user can be reduced.

(3) In the simple processing mode, when the engine is turned on, an input guidance voice prompting input of a destination is output. If the engine is turned on, it is assumed that the vehicle will start in the near future,
At that time, if the navigation device 2 actively prompts the user to input a destination, it is effective in improving the convenience of the user.

Further, the destination is not always determined before the vehicle departs, and the destination may be determined during traveling. Therefore, even when the vehicle is temporarily stopped to wait for a traffic light, it is effective to improve the convenience if the navigation device 2 positively prompts the user to input a destination. In addition,
As a matter of course, if the destination is input when the engine is turned on and the route guidance processing is started, the input guidance sound is not output when the vehicle is temporarily stopped for a traffic light. However, actually, there is a case where the destination set once is desired to be changed on the way. Therefore, it is preferable that the route guidance processing can be newly started by operating the operation switch group 8 or operating the PTT switch 36 to input a predetermined command by voice.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, when a destination is set during the processing in the normal processing mode executed in S120 of FIG. 2, an input method (for example, four types of addresses, facility names, telephone numbers, and memory locations) is used. Is specified first, and then the destination according to the specified input method is referred to as a "step-by-step input procedure." On the other hand, in the simple processing mode, the input method is not specified and "Showa, Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture, It has been described that this is the “direct input procedure” in which voices such as “town”, “Tokyo Disneyland”, “0566-25-5551”, and “memory A” are input. However, it is not always necessary to configure as such, and for example, both the simple processing mode and the normal processing mode may be a “step-by-step input procedure”,
Alternatively, it may be a “direct input procedure”.

The direct input procedure means that there is no need to select any one of the four types of address, facility name, telephone number, and memory location before inputting. However, this does not necessarily mean that only one input is permitted. For example, when inputting an address by voice, the conversation may be performed from any number of times. A specific example will be given. First, when the user inputs "Aichi prefecture", the navigation device 2 talks back "Please speak the name of municipalities in Aichi prefecture". On the other hand, when the user inputs “Kariya city”, the navigation device 2
The side talks back, "Please tell me the name of the town or village." On the other hand, when the user inputs “Showa-cho”, the navigation device 2 may talk back “I will guide you to Showa-cho in Kariya city, Aichi prefecture”. In this case, the address is input stepwise, but it goes without saying that the technical idea is different from the above-mentioned "stepwise input procedure".

When inputting the facility name, for example, the name of the facility is added to the name of the prefecture, such as "Tokyo Disneyland, Chiba", and voice input, or the speed, such as "Nagoya Interchange of Tomei Expressway". Although it is a rule to add the interchange name after the road name and input it by voice, for example, in the case of `` Tokyo Disneyland in Chiba Prefecture '' in the above example, it is easy to specify the point simply by `` Tokyo Disneyland '' Input omitting Chiba Prefecture is also allowed. Similarly, in the case of the “Tomei Expressway Nagoya Interchange”, simply omitting the “Tomei Expressway” is acceptable because the location can be easily identified even with the “Nagoya Interchange”.

Although the result of the voice recognition is talked back, a configuration may be adopted in which an image is further displayed so that the user can confirm both the auditory and visual senses. The reliability is better if both are confirmed. In this case, the information may be displayed on the display unit 14, but a simple display unit may be provided in the voice recognition unit 30, and the dialog control unit may execute the display control. It is a process related only to voice recognition, and it is conceivable to use a color display for the display 14 assuming map display or the like. Because things are enough.

In the above embodiment, from the viewpoint of simplifying the operation related to the route guidance as much as possible, if there is no voice input within a predetermined time after the talkback of the recognition result (S190: NO, S200: YES) ), The input destination is determined (S210). And
In the description of the corresponding process in S240, it has been described that, when the voice is input as "Yes", the process can be shifted to the process of determining the input destination (S210).
In this regard, for example, by clicking the PTT switch 36, the same function as in the case of the voice input of "yes" may be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the input guidance sound is automatically output when the engine is turned on as a trigger. However, the following measures may be added in consideration of small points. That is, even if the engine is turned on, the user does not always exist in the vehicle. Therefore, in addition to turning on the engine, the condition is satisfied when a person is seated on the seat by means of, for example, a seating sensor, or when it is detected that the seat belt is fastened. At this point, the input guidance voice may be automatically output.

In the above embodiment, the switching between the normal processing mode and the simple processing mode has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the apparatus itself includes the simple processing means for the simple processing mode. The present invention is also applicable to a case where the normal processing mode related to the normal processing mode is not provided.

The operation of the navigation apparatus in this case is as follows: affirmative determination in S100 of FIG. 2, that is, when the ignition switch 3 is operated and the engine is turned on,
There is no subsequent processing of 110 and S120, and the output processing of the input guidance voice in S130 is executed. Thereby, the same effects as (1), (2) and (3) described above in the embodiment can be exerted.

In the case of this embodiment as well, the above-mentioned "direct input means" voice input method is adopted, and the above-mentioned configuration which allows the user to confirm both the auditory and visual senses is adopted. The purpose of the present invention, such as the use of the PTT switch 36 for causing the process described above to determine the input destination and the setting of various conditions for automatically starting the route guidance process described above, are described. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation device as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a part of a flowchart showing processing executed by the navigation device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a part of a flowchart showing processing executed by the navigation device of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Navigation device 4 ... Position detector 6 ... Map data input device 8 ... Operation switch group 10 ... Control circuit 12 ... External memory 14 ... Display device 15 ... Remote control sensor 15a ... Remote control 16 ... Geomagnetic sensor 18 ... Gyroscope 20 ... Distance Sensor 22 GPS receiver 30 Voice recognition unit 31 Voice recognition unit 32 Dialogue control unit 33 Voice synthesis unit 34 Voice extraction unit 35 Microphone 36 PTT switch 37 Speaker 38 Control unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Juichi Nakamura 1-1-1, Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Prefecture Inside Denso Corporation (72) Inventor Koichi Nakajima 1-16-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Kenwood Corporation Inside

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A voice input means used by a user to input predetermined navigation processing-related data which needs to be specified in performing navigation processing by voice, and said predetermined navigation processing-related data. Input guidance means for outputting an input guidance voice for prompting a user to input data, and executing a predetermined navigation processing based on the predetermined navigation processing-related data input via the voice input means. A simple processing means for automatically starting the route guidance processing as the navigating processing when a predetermined processing start condition is satisfied, and the simple processing means automatically starts when the processing is started. Output an input guidance sound prompting the input guidance means to input a destination. A navigation device configured to execute the route guidance processing based on a ground. 2. When a destination is input via the voice input means in response to the input guidance voice, the input guidance means outputs a voice of the input destination for confirmation. Further, if there is no voice input via the voice input means even after a lapse of a predetermined time from when the destination is voice-outputted for the confirmation, the input destination is determined, and the destination is determined. 2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the navigation apparatus is configured to execute the route guidance processing based on the following. 3. The simple processing means according to claim 1, wherein at least when power is supplied to a navigation device, said input guidance means automatically outputs an input guidance voice prompting input of a destination. 3. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the condition is satisfied. 4. The navigation device according to claim 3, wherein power is supplied to the navigation device in response to operation of an ignition switch of a vehicle equipped with the navigation device. 5. The input processing means according to claim 1, wherein said input guidance means automatically determines that the vehicle on which the navigation device is mounted is temporarily stopped for a traffic light. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein it is determined that a predetermined process start condition for outputting an input guidance voice prompting an input is satisfied. 6. A destination to be inputted via said voice input means in response to an input guidance voice from said input guidance means, according to any one of an address, a facility name, a telephone number and a previously registered point. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the navigation device is configured to be capable of inputting the information. 7. A voice input means used by a user to input predetermined navigation processing-related data which needs to be designated in performing the navigation processing, and said predetermined navigation processing-related data. Input guidance means for outputting an input guidance voice for prompting a user to input data, wherein at least two or more types of processing including route guidance processing are possible as the navigation processing, and A navigation device that performs a predetermined navigation process based on the predetermined navigation process-related data input through the navigation device, wherein two types including a simple processing mode for automatically starting the route guidance process and the route guidance process The user is allowed to select any of the above processes, and the normal process mode for executing the selected process can be switched and set. When the switching to the simple processing mode is set, when a predetermined processing start condition is satisfied, the input guidance means automatically outputs an input guidance voice prompting input of a destination, and the voice input A navigation device configured to execute the route guidance processing based on a destination input through a means. 8. In the simple processing mode, when a destination is input via the voice input means in response to the input guidance voice, the input guidance means voices the input destination for confirmation. And if there is no voice input via the voice input means even after a predetermined time has passed since the voice output of the destination for the confirmation, the input destination is output. 8. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the route guidance processing is executed based on the destination. 9. A predetermined processing start condition for causing the input guidance means to automatically output an input guidance voice prompting input of a destination in the simple processing mode when at least power is supplied to the navigation device. 9. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein it is determined that the condition is satisfied. 10. The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein power is supplied to the navigation device when an ignition switch of a vehicle equipped with the navigation device is operated. 11. When the vehicle equipped with the navigation device can be regarded as being temporarily stopped for a traffic light, the input guidance means automatically determines the destination in the simple processing mode. The navigation device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein it is determined that a predetermined process start condition for outputting an input guidance voice prompting an input is satisfied. 12. A destination to be input via the voice input means in response to the input guidance voice from the input guidance means may be any one of an address, a facility name, a telephone number, and a previously registered point. The navigation device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the navigation device is configured to be capable of inputting the information.