JPH11248477A - Voice guided navigator, voice guidance type navigating method, and medium with recorded voice guided navigation program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To materialize the concept that voice guidance easy to understand is made, including description of featured objects. SOLUTION: A navigation controller 14 acquires data about ID signs (featured objects) at specified guidance point from an information center 34 and stores them in an ID sign database 20 when a route is set. When the guidance point is approached during running the route, it conducts a voice guidance utilizing the ID sign, based on data stored in the ID sign data-base 20 wherein the timing of the voice guidance is at an adequate point own vehicle arrives against the ID sign position. Thus it is possible to guide at a position easy to see the ID signs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a voice guidance navigation device that provides guidance using features extracted based on image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, navigation devices for route guidance have been known and have become widely used. This navigation device usually has a display, and basically displays a map including a current position display. When a destination is set, an optimal route to the destination is searched based on the stored map information. When the route to the destination is set, the route is always displayed and route guidance is performed.

[0003] Further, during traveling, the driver needs to gaze ahead, and cannot gaze at the display. Therefore, guidance such as turning right and left is also provided by voice. That is, in front of a guidance intersection (branch) requiring guidance, a guidance sound such as “XX m ahead XX intersection is to the left” is output from the speaker, and the route is guided. As a result, the driver can obtain guidance from the ear while gazing forward.

Here, an intersection name is usually used to specify a branch point, but it is not always easy to understand. Therefore,
JP-A-4-1520 and JP-A-4-324321 propose to use a feature such as a building name existing at an intersection for guidance. By using such a feature, the branch point can be easily explained to the driver, and more suitable route guidance can be performed.

[0005]

However, the use of the above-mentioned features is based on the premise that the driver can easily find the features. However, depending on the position of the host vehicle, it may be difficult for the driver to find a feature. In such a case, there is a problem that the guidance is rather difficult to understand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a vehicle capable of providing voice guidance that is easy for a driver to understand by considering the positional relationship between the position of the vehicle and a characteristic object. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a voice guidance navigation device for use.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a voice guidance navigation device for providing guidance to a vehicle driver by voice, comprising: acquisition means for acquiring position data of a feature near a road; And guidance time control means for controlling the guidance start time of voice guidance using this feature. As described above, since the guidance start time can be adjusted, it is easy to confirm the characteristic object.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the guidance timing control means further adjusts the guidance start timing in accordance with the visibility of the characteristic object. Since a small feature is guided far away, it is possible to prevent a problem that the feature cannot be found.

[0009] The present invention is characterized in that the acquisition means acquires data on the characteristic object from an external database. There is no need to hold the data of the feature inside, and the device configuration can be simplified. In the case of an external database, it is relatively easy to update the database.

[0010] Further, the invention is characterized in that the guidance timing control means adds a guidance relating to a relative direction of a characteristic object from a position of the own vehicle to the voice guidance sentence. Since the guidance about the direction is included, the driver can easily recognize the feature.

Further, the present invention provides a voice guidance navigation method for providing guidance to a vehicle driver by voice, wherein position data of a feature near a road is acquired, and the feature data is obtained in accordance with the position of the acquired feature. The present invention is characterized in that a guidance start time of voice guidance using an object is determined, and when the determined time comes, voice guidance including a feature is performed.

Further, the present invention is a medium recording a voice guidance navigation program for causing a voice guidance navigation device to output guidance to a vehicle driver by voice,
The voice guidance navigation program causes the voice guidance navigation device to acquire position data of a feature near the road and determine a guidance start time of voice guidance using the feature according to the position of the feature. When the determined time has come, voice guidance including a characteristic object is performed.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an apparatus according to one embodiment. A camera 10 is mounted on the vehicle. The camera 10 is constituted by a CCD camera or the like, and acquires an image in front of the vehicle. In addition, the camera 10
Is connected to an image processing unit 12.
Reference numeral 2 performs various processes on image data supplied from the camera 10. For example, the image data supplied from the camera 10 is binarized, various shapes are extracted, and an ID of a predetermined shape in the navigation control unit 14 described later.
A pre-process for performing a process as to whether or not a signature exists is performed. It should be noted that this image processing section may perform the determination up to whether or not the ID signature exists.

A navigation control unit 14 is connected to the image processing unit 12. The navigation control unit 14 performs various processes for navigation. The navigation control unit 14 is connected to a DGPS device 16 for detecting a current position, from which current position information is supplied. The DGPS device 16 performs relatively accurate position detection by combining error information obtained from a fixed station on the ground with position information obtained by a GPS (global positioning system).

A map database 18 is connected to the navigation control unit 14. The map database 18 stores various map data necessary for route guidance and map display, and is constituted by, for example, a CDROM. It is also preferable to configure the map database 18 with a RAM or the like, acquire only necessary data from the outside, and store it here. Further, an ID signature database 20 is connected to the navigation control unit 14. The ID sign database 20 stores the shapes and sizes of various signboards and the like, which are features at intersections and the like, and guide texts using the signs and the like. This I
The D-sign database 20 may be constituted by a CDROM or the like, and may be prepared in advance, but it is preferable to acquire and store necessary items from outside, and in the present embodiment, is constituted by a RAM.

A display 22 is connected to the navigation control unit 14 and the voice synthesizing unit 2 is connected to the display 22.
4 and a speaker 26 is connected thereto. The display 22 performs various displays for route guidance. A touch panel is formed on the front of the display 22 so that various inputs can be performed based on the display. Also,
The voice synthesis unit 24 performs voice synthesis based on the data supplied from the navigation control unit 14 to generate a voice signal, and supplies the voice signal to the speaker 26 to output a desired voice from the speaker 26.

Further, the navigation control unit 14 includes:
The communication unit 28 is connected, and through this communication unit 28,
Performs data communication with the outside. The communication unit 28 includes, for example, a mobile phone connected via a modem, and preferably includes a radio beacon, a communication device for communicating with an optical beacon, a communication device for performing satellite communication, and the like. It is.

A communication section (mobile phone) 28 of the vehicle is connected to an information center 34 via a radio base station 30 and a public line network 32. The information center 34 has a database 36 that stores various types of information, and provides various types of data in response to requests from vehicles.

Next, the operation of the vehicle when a route is set will be described with reference to FIG. First, when setting a route, a destination is set in the same manner as a normal navigation device. The destination can be set on a map or input from various information such as a facility name and an address. When the destination is set, an optimum route is searched based on the map information in the map database 18, and a route to the destination is set based on the search result (S11).

When a route is set in this way, data on a guide point such as a junction where a right or left turn is made on the set route is extracted (S1).
2). Then, the data about these guide points is transmitted to the information center 34, and the ID about the guide points is transmitted.
Request transmission of signature data (S13).

Here, the data on the guide point may be data for directly specifying a branch point or data for specifying an area including a set route.

The information center 34 prepares ID sign data for the guide point by the operation described later and transmits it. Then, the vehicle receives the transmitted ID signature data (S14). next,
The acquired ID sign data is compared with the set route, and relative data such as the position of the ID sign and the right / left turn direction at the guide point is detected (S15). Then, the guide text is determined based on the detected data, and stored in the ID signature database 20 together with the ID signature data (S16).

Next, the operation of the information center 34 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether there is a request for ID signature data at a guide point from a vehicle (S21). If the determination is YES, it is determined whether there is ID signature data for the provided guide point (S22). For example, in the guidance of the branch point, it is determined whether or not an ID sign such as “a gas station signboard of XX” is set in relation to the guidance point.

If the determination in S22 is YES, the ID signature data is obtained from the database 36 (S23). The ID signature data includes image data on the shape of the ID signature, an existing position (latitude, longitude, height), a description, and the like. Note that such an I
The D signature data does not necessarily need to be fixedly stored in the information center 34. For example, the information center 34 may be provided with image data provided by a traveling vehicle, and may automatically store valuable data.
Next, the acquired ID signature data is processed for vehicle transmission (S24), and is distributed to the vehicle (S25). In addition,
If there is no data in S22, in S25,
Data indicating that there is no ID signature data is transmitted. In this case, an intersection name that does not use the ID signature data may be transmitted.

If all the data on the ID sign is stored in the ID sign database 20 on the vehicle side, the communication operation with the information center 34 is not necessary, and the storage of the ID sign data as described above. Can be performed on the vehicle side. Further, the information center 34 can provide the destination to the information center 34 and set the route to the destination and create the ID signature data.

Next, the operation when the vehicle is traveling while setting a route will be described with reference to FIG. First, during traveling, based on information from the DGPS device 16 and the like,
The current position is constantly detected. Therefore, it is determined whether the guide point is within 500 m (S31). If the determination is YES, the ID sign data for the guide point is read from the ID sign database 20 (S32). Then, the direction of the ID sign is specified from the current position (S33). That is, from the current position (including the lane) and the data such as the position and the size based on the ID sign data, it is specified in which direction the ID sign can be seen from the current position.

Next, the image obtained by the camera 10 is compared with the data on the shape of the read ID signature.
Image recognition is performed for the ID signature (S34). For example, if the ID sign is a signboard of a ガ ソ リ ン gas station, comparison is made between the logo data and the image obtained by the camera 10. Then, it is determined whether the ID signature has been recognized (S35).

If the determination is YES, a guidance time is determined (S36). The determination of the guidance time is determined in consideration of, for example, the size and visibility of the sign, which is an ID sign, the vehicle speed, and the like. That is, there is a timing at which a signboard or the like is easily seen when the vehicle is running.
Therefore, the guide time is determined so that the guide text is output at that timing. That is, the guidance time is determined based on the relative position between the own vehicle position and the ID sign detected in S15.

In particular, there are times when an ID sign such as a signboard cannot be seen because it is behind another building. Therefore, it is important to select a timing at which the ID signature can be seen. Furthermore, it takes some time to output the guide text. Therefore, it is also preferable to change the guidance output start time according to the vehicle speed. In addition, some ID signatures are very easy to understand, while others are not so easy to understand. If it is very easy to understand, the guidance including the ID sign may be simply performed at the timing of the normal route guidance at the guidance point. On the other hand, if it is not so easy to understand, it is preferable to provide the guidance slightly earlier, including the explanation about the ID sign. It is also preferable to change the timing of guidance according to the size of a signboard or the like.

Then, it is determined whether the guidance time has come (S3
7) When the guidance time comes, guidance using the ID sign is performed (S38). For example, guidance such as "Right direction at the intersection ahead of the XX gas station" is implemented. Here, if the ID sign is not visible at normal timing, it is also preferable to provide a guidance such as "If you go a little further, you will see the XX gas station, turn right at the intersection ahead." is there.

Further, it is preferable that the direction in which the ID signature exists is included in the guidance text. For example, "XX on the right front
Go right at the intersection at the gas station. "You can go to the right at the intersection of the dealerships of the XX cars seen in front of you," and "Left to the left in front of the signboard of the XX restaurant that looks slightly to the left in front of you."

Also, while reaching the intersection of the guide points,
It is also preferred to include multiple ID signatures. For example,
You can also give a guidance such as "Pass the XX gas station on the left and turn left at the intersection in front of the XX restaurant." When you pass the intersection of the guide points,
It is preferable to provide guidance for the next guidance point (or final destination). For example, it outputs a guidance such as "For a while, go straight toward XX."

When the result of S35 is NO and the ID sign cannot be recognized, a normal guidance is performed (S39). For example, guidance such as "300 m ahead, turn left at the XX intersection" is output.

There are various types of guidance text to be output as voice, and the guidance text is basically obtained as text data from the outside.
Therefore, a voice signal is obtained by the voice synthesis unit 24.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the guidance timing is determined according to the position of the ID sign. Therefore, when the vehicle comes to a position where the ID sign can be easily seen, a guidance message using the ID sign can be output. Further, by adjusting the guidance timing according to the vehicle speed, guidance at a more preferable timing can be performed. Further, by adding a word about the direction in which the ID sign can be seen to the guidance message, the driver can easily recognize the ID sign. In addition, by adjusting the timing of the guidance according to the size of the ID sign, the visibility, and the like, the ID sign can be more easily recognized.

Further, in this embodiment, when the ID signature can be image-recognized, guidance using the ID signature is performed.
For this reason, due to illegal parking cars or renovation of buildings,
When the D-sign is not visible, it is possible to prevent the guidance using the D-sign from being performed. Also, if the information center 34 receives image data from a vehicle that is always running and updates the data on the ID sign, it is possible to always provide guidance using the latest information.

Further, in the guidance to the destination, guidance near the final destination is possible by using the ID sign around the destination. In particular, the final destination is often a variety of stores, facilities, parking lots, and the like, and the ID sign itself is often the final destination. In such a case, guidance to the final destination itself can be performed.

The above operation in the navigation control unit 14 is achieved by executing a program stored in a ROM or the like. However, it is also preferable that this program is loaded from the outside and stored in the EEPROM. Such a program to be loaded can be stored in a CD ROM or the like and provided, or provided by communication. In particular, it is also preferable that the information center 34 provides the information by communication of the navigation control unit 14. It is also preferable that the first program is stored in the navigation device 14 in advance, and the version is upgraded by CDROM or communication. Further, it is also preferable to store the program in the map database 18.

It should be noted that there is a building or the like as the ID sign. In this case, it is preferable to hold three-dimensional data and change the shape data according to the viewing direction.
In the above-described guidance, an intersection or the like is used as a guidance point, but it is also preferable to simply use an ID sign for guidance for confirmation at a passing point. In addition, easy-to-view ID signs often differ between daytime and nighttime, so it is preferable to change the ID sign according to the brightness.

Further, it is also preferable to obtain data on a target object (ID sign) which is easy for the driver to visually recognize and provide voice guidance. In this case, the data on the target object may not necessarily be obtained from the outside, but may be obtained by reading data stored in the in-vehicle map database 18 or the like. Further, it is not always necessary to recognize an image.

For example, when traveling along a route as shown in FIG. 5, "restaurant xx", "xx gas station", etc., which are easily visible to the driver, are used as ID signs. And "50 from restaurant xx
Turn left at the 0m intersection. ”,“ To the left of the next intersection of the XX gas station is to the left ”, etc., and provide guidance including relative expressions such as the distance to the guidance point (intersection branch, merging, etc.) and the number of branch points to that point. . In this way, guidance is provided using not only the target object around the guide point but also a target object that can be visually recognized on the route, so that easy-to-understand guidance can be performed, and the driver's sense of security can be improved.

Further, while traveling on a simple road,
It is also preferable to provide guidance using a target that is easy for the driver to see while traveling. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, instead of or in addition to the conventional guidance such as "It will be about 10 km for a while."
× Continue straight for about 50km from the station. ”Etc. are provided. As a result, the driver's sense of security can be improved. In addition, such guidance is provided for the driver's driving mental stability,
It is preferable to perform the process at such a frequency that the user does not feel troublesome (once every few minutes).

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the start time of the guidance is adjusted according to the location of the feature, an easy-to-understand guidance using the feature can be provided at an appropriate timing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for setting a route.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart in a center.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart at the time of traveling.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of guidance.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of guidance.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 camera, 12 image processing unit, 14 navigation control unit, 16 DGPS device, 18 map database, 20 ID sign database, 22 display, 24 voice synthesis unit, 26 speaker, 28 communication unit, 30 wireless base station, 32 public telephone line , 34 information centers, 36 databases.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A voice guidance navigation device that provides guidance to a vehicle driver by voice, comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire position data of a feature near a road; A voice guidance navigation device, comprising: guidance time control means for controlling a guidance start time of guidance by voice used. 2. The voice guidance navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance timing control means further adjusts the guidance start timing according to the visibility of a feature. 3. The voice guidance navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires data on the feature from an external database. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guidance timing control means adds a guidance relating to a relative direction of the feature from a position of the own vehicle to the voice guidance sentence. Voice guidance navigation device. 5. A voice guidance navigation method for providing voice guidance to a vehicle driver, wherein position data of a feature near a road is acquired, and the feature is used in accordance with the position of the acquired feature. A voice guidance navigation method comprising: determining a guidance start time of voice guidance; and performing a voice guidance including a feature at the determined time. 6. The voice guidance navigation method according to claim 5, wherein data on the feature is obtained by communication from an external center. 7. A medium in which a voice guidance navigation program for causing a voice guidance navigation device to output guidance to a vehicle driver by voice is recorded. The position data of the feature is acquired, and the guidance start time of the voice guidance using the feature is determined according to the position of the feature, and when the determined time comes, the feature is included. A medium recording a voice guidance navigation program characterized by providing voice guidance. 8. The medium according to claim 7, wherein the voice guidance navigation program further records the voice guidance navigation program, wherein the guidance start time is adjusted according to the visibility of a feature. Medium. 9. The medium according to claim 7, wherein the voice guidance navigation program causes the data about the feature to be acquired from an external database. 10. The medium according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the voice guidance navigation program causes a guidance relating to a relative direction of a feature from a position of the own vehicle to be added to the voice guidance text. A medium on which a voice guidance navigation program as a feature is recorded.