DE102005015987A1 - Vehicle navigation system has position determination and mapping units using split screen display modes with internet derived images - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle navigation system has actual position determination (1) and mapping (2) units with mode selection (10) to divide the screen to display (7, 8) images including internet (4) derived object pictures and the location of a specified point.

Description

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to a vehicle navigation system that has two or more different functions occur on a single processor can and which simultaneously generated by two or more functions Display two or more images on a multi-part split screen can.

sites on the Internet provide a lot of information about tourist facilities, Restaurants, hotels etc. in local areas ready. Some websites in the Internet provide map information which is more detailed as map information held by general navigation systems becomes. To use such map information efficiently, there are some Vehicle navigation systems have been provided that are a destination set based on map information such as an address information, the is obtained from a website on the Internet, after a route to search the preset destination and a route guidance To run, as mentioned below becomes.

For example a vehicle navigation system of the prior art is provided in which an Internet terminal has card information, provided as part of home page information will over a back side server by running of Internet communication catches up, a map with a landmark based on this map information displays the latitude and longitude this landmark from the back side server to a navigation system of the prior art provides a front page server when a predetermined landmark as Target is determined, and then the navigation system using the entered length and Latitude information after a route to the landmark searches for and displays them (see for example Patent Reference 1).

There has been provided another prior art vehicle navigation system in which a terminal searches a web page on the Internet using a browser unit, alphabetic information for specifying a location such as address and telephone number from the web page sent thereto from the web page Extracting information using an extracting unit, and then supplying the extracted alphabetic information to a server searching for positional information from the address or telephone number of the specified location, the server searching for position information from the address and telephone number of the specified location and supplying that position information to the Terminal, and, upon receiving the searched position information sent thereto, the terminal sends the position information from the browser unit to a navigation control unit and then sets the specified location as a destination, so that the navigation system In formation on tourist resorts, restaurants, hotels, etc., which are currently being introduced by the webpages, can display on a videocard and guide routes to the tourist resorts, restaurants and hotels, etc. (for example, reference is made to Patent Reference 2).
[Patent Reference 1] JP, 11-325919, A
[Patent Reference 2] JP, 2000-337911, A

from The point of view of the graphic display is that constructed as mentioned above Vehicle navigation systems of the prior art separately and independently both at the time of connecting to the Internet received Picture as well as a navigation-related picture, but they do not show simultaneously on a split-partition screen. A problem with Car navigation systems The prior art is therefore that users a complicated Perform procedure have to, to make the navigation system, ultimately after one route to a destination in response to over Internet access obtained alphabetic information such as the Address of the destination to search.

It A technique has been provided for displaying by different Functions, such as a navigation function and an audio function, or a navigation function and a television function Pictures, on a screen divided into two parts. A problem in the known technique is that, since it is the respective one View images that are signal processed by independent processors be on a split-partition screen, and not the one for viewing images by one in common used to be signal processed on a single processor Two Divided split screen a complicated setup for Signal processing images is required.

RESUME OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle navigation system that causes a single processor, two or more perform various functions such as a browser function, a search function, an e-mail function, a music information function, a point registration function and a "vehicle information communication system" information function, and the images generated by these functions simultaneously on a multi-split partition screen (hereinafter referred to as multi-split partition screen), thereby simplifying a structure required for executing signal processing of the system and facilitating the operations of transferring data, information, etc. between different functions.

One Vehicle navigation system in accordance with the present invention includes: a current position detection unit for detecting the current position of a vehicle; a map information unit for storing map information; an operating unit for inputting a specification of either a single screen display mode or a multi-split split screen display mode, a specification a one on a single screen or on each screen segment of a multi-split partition screen to be displayed, and so on further; a display unit for displaying the image displayed on the operating unit of the single screen or each screen segment of the multi-split partition screen etc. function based image based; a communication unit to communicate with the Internet or the like; and a navigation control unit to to cause a single processor, routing guidance control processing based on the obtained from the current position detection unit Current position of the vehicle and in the map information unit to execute stored map information, and a process for View one or more images on one or more different functions based, which by the operating unit are specified by functions including a function of communication using the communication unit and so on on the Display unit in either the single-screen display mode or the More Divided split-screen display mode.

Therefore leads in agreement with the present invention, the single processor the process for View one or more images through one or more different functions in either the single screen display mode or the multi-split split screen display mode. For example The vehicle navigation system can take two or more pictures on two or more different functions are based on the group consisting of a browser function, a search function, an e-mail function, a music information function, a point registration function, and a VICS information function, not conventionally in the multi-split split screen display mode display a single processor in the multi-split split screen display mode. Accordingly allows the vehicle navigation system with a simplified to run the Signal processing required build up it's users, simultaneously to examine two or more information by two or more Functions are provided and provided by a function Information efficient as a function of information for another Function to use.

Ferriere Objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It shows:

1 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of a vehicle navigation system in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

2 Fig. 12 is a diagram of a split-screen display mode in which two images generated by two functions are displayed in the vehicle navigation system in accordance with an embodiment 1 of the present invention;

3 FIG. 15 is a diagram of a three-part split screen display mode in which three images generated by three functions are displayed in the vehicle navigation system in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG.

4 FIG. 15 is a diagram of a four-split split screen display mode in which four images generated by four functions are displayed in the vehicle navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG.

5A to 5J Diagrams each showing a change in the display area data of each screen segment when switching between two screen display modes, or changing the selection of one of the screen segments into which the screen is divided in the vehicle navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein FIG 5A is a state diagram of a single screen display mode, 5B and 5C State Diagrams of the Two Divided split-screen display mode, 5D . 5E and 5F State diagrams of the three-part split screen display mode and

5G . 5H . 5I and 5J State diagrams of the four-split split screen display mode are;

6 12 is a diagram for showing a display area coordinate table DISP (a, b) indicating the display area data of one or more screen segments into which the screen in each screen display mode, the split-partition display mode, the split-screen display mode, and the split-partition display screen In the vehicle navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

7A to 7J Diagrams each additionally displaying the display of an image generated by a function of the currently selected screen segment after switching from a previous screen display mode to another screen display mode in the vehicle-mounted navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; in which 7A is a state diagram of the single-screen display mode, 7B and 7C State Diagrams of Two-Part Distribution Screen Display Mode, 7D . 7E and 7F State diagrams of the three-part split screen display mode, and 7G . 7H . 7I and 7J State diagrams of the four-split split screen display mode are.

8A to 8D 11 are diagrams each showing the content of a functional state storage table FUNC (c) in the vehicle navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein FIG 8A a state diagram is to show the contents of the functional state storage table in the single-screen display mode; 8B a state diagram is to show the contents of the functional state storage table in the divided-partition display mode; 8C a state diagram is to show the contents of the functional state storage table in the three-part split screen display mode, and FIG 8D a state diagram is to show the contents of the functional state storage table in the four-split-partition display mode;

9A to 9J Diagrams each showing a frame of a current screen area currently selected and WACU (d, w) showing the position of the frame in the vehicle navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein FIG 9A is a state diagram of the single-screen display mode, 9B and 9C State diagrams of the split-partition display mode, 9D . 9E and 9F State diagrams of the three-part split screen display mode, and 9G . 9H . 9I and 9J State diagrams of the four-split split screen display mode are;

10A to 10C Diagrams each showing the selection of an area, copying and pasting in the vehicle navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein 10A a diagram is to show a case of selecting, copying and pasting a character string, 10B a diagram is to show a case of selecting, copying and pasting an image file, and 10B a diagram is to show a case of selecting, copying and pasting an electronic file;

11 FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed by a CPU of the vehicle navigation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when a menu manipulation key input event occurs using a remote control unit; FIG.

12 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of processing executed by the CPU when a clear event in step ST3 of FIG 11 occurs;

13 FIG. 14 is a flow chart of processing executed by the CPU when a screen partitioning event in step ST4 of FIG 11 occurs;

14 FIG. 5 is a flow chart of processing executed by the CPU when a FUNC rearrangement event is executed in step ST20 of FIG 13 occurs;

15 FIG. 15 is a flow chart of processing executed by the CPU when a screen partitioning event in step ST18 of FIG 13 occurs;

16 FIG. 14 is a flow chart of processing executed by the CPU when a display processing event in step ST9 of FIG 11 occurs;

17 FIG. 14 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU when a range selection event in step ST5 of FIG 11 occurs;

18 FIG. 12 is a flow chart of processing executed by the CPU when a copy event in step ST6 of FIG 11 occurs;

19 FIG. 15 is a flow chart of processing executed by the CPU when an insert event in step ST7 of FIG 11 occurs; and

20 FIG. 14 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU when a drawing event in step ST31 of FIG 15 occurs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings Drawings described.

Embodiment 1

1 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the construction of a vehicle navigation system in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As in 1 is shown, this vehicle navigation system with a current position detection unit 1 provided, a card information unit 2 , a communication unit 3 , a communication interface 4 , a storage unit 5 , a store 6 , a graphics IC (integrated circuit) 7 , a monitor 8th , an audio unit 9 , a remote control unit 10 , a light receiving unit 11 and a CPU (central processing unit or processor) 12 ,

The current position detection unit 1 detects the current position of a vehicle in which the navigation system is mounted in accordance with Embodiment 1. The current position detection unit 1 has a GPS receiver (Global Positioning System receiver) 1a , a receiving antenna 1b , a gyroscope 1c and a vehicle speed pulse generator 1d , The GPS receiver 1a receives electrical waves that have been sent by GPS satellites using the receiving antenna 1b and measures the latitude and longitude of the current position of the vehicle. The gyroscope 1c detects the direction in which the vehicle is aligned. In other words, the gyroscope 1c serves as a direction sensor. The vehicle speed pulse generator 1d generates a pulse signal in accordance with the rotation of a wheel of the vehicle every time the vehicle moves by a predetermined distance. In other words, the vehicle speed pulse generator 1d serves as a distance sensor for detecting the driving distance of the vehicle. The card information unit 2 stores digitized map information in a storage medium thereof. The communication unit 3 consists of a communication equipment, a mobile phone or the like, which with a transmitting-receiving antenna 3a is provided and performs Internet communications, communications with VICS provided as another source of information, etc., and sends and receives content information and VICS information or emails.

The communication interface 4 performs a gentle transfer of data between the communication unit 3 and the CPU 12 out. The communication unit 3 and the communication interface 4 form a communication device.

The storage unit 5 has tables associated with various displays of a single screen or multi-split partition screen, and a data storage area. Specifically, as in 1 shown has the storage unit 5 a copy storage area 5a for temporarily storing string data, image files, electronic files, etc., a display area coordinate table 5b which include data about the display area coordinates of each screen segment in either the single screen or a multi-split partition screen, a functional state memory table 5c for storing a one-to-one correspondence between each screen segment in either a single screen or a multi-split partition screen and a function which generates an image to be displayed on each screen segment, and a drawing arrangement table 5d including data representing the display mode of the monitor 8th define.

The memory 6 is a hard disk for storing various data. For example, the memory stores 6 Data such as the below-mentioned music information or data about points.

The graphic IC 7 outputs a signal representing the contents of the drawing arrangement table 5d indicates that in the storage unit 5 are stored so that the contents on the monitor 8th are displayed. The display 8th is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays images generated by specified functions such as a browser function for Internet communications and a search function in either a single screen display mode or a multi-split split screen display mode, as well as route guidance as a result generated by a navigation function is obtained. The graphic IC 7 and the monitor 8th form a display device.

The audio unit 9 notifies routing guidance information (eg messages) obtained from the navigation function or the like via voice to the user.

In response to a certain key input operation being performed by the user, the remote control unit may 10 receive a specification of either the single-screen display mode or the multi-split split screen display mode, a specification of a function that a generates an image to be displayed on each screen segment, and a required specification about route guidance, etc., and then transmits this input data to the light receiving unit 11 using, for example, an infrared signal.

The light receiving unit 11 receives the infrared signal from the remote control unit 10 and then sends a signal corresponding to the received light to the CPU 12 out. The remote control unit 10 and the light receiving unit 11 form an operating device.

The single CPU 12 executes a route guidance control process to search for a route from the current position of the vehicle to a destination based on the current position detection unit 1 obtained instantaneous position information and in the map information unit 2 stored map information, and for displaying the route guidance on the monitor B. The single CPU 12 also displays one or more images generated by one or more different functions, which are in accordance with the infrared signal from the remote control unit 10 among a plurality of functions of a group consisting of a function of communication with a communication equipment or the like using the communication unit 3 , a function of fetching information using the communication unit 3 , and functions associated with the above-mentioned route guidance control processing, such as a position search function and a point registration function, have been specified or selected on the monitor 8th either in single-screen display mode or in multi-part split screen display mode. The above-mentioned functions include, for example, a browser function, an e-mail function, a music information function and a VICS information function in addition to the position search function and the point registration function.

The browser function is the function of performing Internet communications over the communication unit 3 , displaying a browser screen on the monitor 8th and enabling the user to browse a variety of information on any web pages on the Internet.

The position search function is the function of selecting a character string such as the telephone number, postal code, address, etc. of a location (which may become a destination) included in, for example, the above-mentioned browser screen and searching for positional data by defining those selected strings as search keys. The search for positional data can be implemented either via the use of a server on the Internet or by a method using the built-in card information unit 2 which is provided as a function associated with the above-mentioned route guidance control processing. The function specified by the position data to be searched is defined as the target and the CPU 12 automatically searches for a distance from the current position of the vehicle to the destination.

The e-mail function is the function of transmitting and receiving e-mails via the communication unit 3 , The music information function is the function of performing Internet communications over the communication unit 2 and fetching music information such as music names, singers, etc. from music. The dot registration function is the function to, if there are two or more positional data (eg, dot data about two or more points) searched for by the above-mentioned search function, store that position data (ie, the location data) in the memory 6 (or the storage unit 5 ) to register (or store). This function is one of the functions associated with the above-mentioned route guidance control processing. The VICS information function is the function of communicating with a vehicle communication system via the communication unit 2 and retrieving route guidance related information such as traffic jam information, accident information, traffic restriction information and parking information in real time.

The CPU 12 and the storage unit 5 form a navigation control device. During the route guidance control processing (navigation control processing), which is an essential function of the navigation control device, the CPU searches 12 after routing from the current position of the vehicle to the destination, which is from the user using the remote control unit 10 has been specified based on the current position detection unit 1 obtained instantaneous position information and in the map information unit 2 stored map information, and shows a route guidance on the monitor 8th at.

Next, a display of images generated by two or more functions representing the single CPU 12 executes on a multi-split partition screen with reference to 2 to 4 explained. 2 Fig. 10 is a diagram showing examples of a split-partition screen each of which has two screens te, which are each assigned two functions, 3 Fig. 12 is a diagram showing examples of a tripartite partitioning screen, each of which has three screen segments each assigned to three functions, and 4 Fig. 12 is a diagram for showing examples of a four-split partition screen, each having four screen segments each associated with four functions. Each of these figures shows screen display examples associated with all possible combinations of two, three or four functions. In 4 Each number in brackets indicates a corresponding function screen segment and all function screen segments that correspond to all numbers in parentheses are shown in the upper part of the 4 shown.

In 2 to 4 "browser screen segment" is a screen segment in which an image based on the browser function is displayed, and "searching screen segment" is a screen segment in which an image is displayed displayed on the search function, "e-mail screen segment" is a screen segment in which an image based on the e-mail function is displayed, "music information screen segment "or" music information screen segment "is a screen segment in which an image based on the music information function is displayed;" point registration screen segment "is a screen segment in which an image is displayed; which is based on the dot registration function, and "VICS information screen segment" is a screen segment in which an image based on the VICS information function is displayed.

As in 2 to 4 2, the position of the display of the function screen segment in the multi-split partition screen is freely determined. For example, it is in 2 when a browser screen segment and a search screen segment are displayed on a split-partition screen, it is possible to freely determine which of the two screen segments is located on either side of the split-partition screen. The user may either select one of the four display modes that includes the single screen display mode in addition to the multi-split split screen display mode shown in FIG 2 to 4 by using the remote control unit 10 ,

As in 2 to 4 shown, the CPU can 12 indicate any of the screen display examples, each associated with all possible combinations of two, three or four functions, in any of the multi-split split screen display modes. As an alternative, the CPU 12 always display an image based on a specified function in at least one screen segment included in the multi-split partition screen.

For example, the CPU 12 always display an image showing the position of a certain point, an image showing an object on the Internet or an image showing music information in at least one screen segment of the multi-split screen. In this case, a screen segment in which an image showing the position of a certain point is displayed is a search screen, a screen segment in which an image showing an object on the Internet is displayed, a browser screen, and a screen segment in which a music information displaying image is displayed, a music information screen. As a result, an image based on a function that is used with high frequency or that is much needed can always be displayed on the multi-split partition screen.

Next, processes required for displaying either a single screen or a multi-split partition screen will be described below, as in FIG 2 to 4 shown by the user with the remote control unit 10 specified or selected. Examples of switching between two screen display modes and the display area coordinates of each screen segment will be described with reference to FIG 5A to 5J explained. 5A to 5J Fig. 15 are diagrams each showing a change in the display area coordinates of each screen segment when the CPU 12 switches between two screen display modes, or the selection of a screen segment in accordance with the user's key input operation using the remote control unit 10 changes in a case where the CPU 12 which provides four screen display modes in which the entire screen of the monitor 8th is separated into one to four segments. 5A is a state diagram of the single-screen display mode, 5B and 5C Fig. 12 are state diagrams of the split-partition display mode; 5D . 5E and 5F FIG. 13 are state diagrams of the three-part split screen display mode; FIG. 5G . 5H . 5I and 5J Fig. 10 are state diagrams of the four-split split screen display mode. In each figure, a zone enclosed by a thick line shows the currently selected screen segment. In 5A to 5J For example, a start point and an end point of each of the four screen segments into which the overall screen of the monitor is divided are expressed by their X coordinates and Y coordinates, respectively. Assuming that the coordinates of the starting point are X1 and Y1 and the coordinates of the end point are X2 and Y2, the display area coordinates of each screen segment are expressed by (X1, Y1, X2, Y2).

In 5A Assuming that the display area coordinates of a single screen G1 on which screen partitioning is not performed are X1 = 0, Y1 = 0, X2 = 489, Y2 = 239, it means that the display area coordinates of the screen G1 in FIG Single screen display mode (0, 0, 489, 239). When the user instructs the navigation system using the remote control unit 10 to switch to the split split screen display mode when the monitor is in the single screen display mode disconnects the CPU 12 the screen is displayed in a first screen segment G2 in which the same image as displayed on the screen G1 in the single screen display mode is displayed, and a second screen segment G3 on the right side of the first screen segment G2 as shown in FIG 5B shown. In this case, the second screen segment G2 is the current screen area that is currently selected. Since the single screen G1 is separated into two equal parts with respect to the direction of the X coordinates when switching from the single-screen display mode to the divided-split screen display mode, the display area coordinates of the second screen segment G3 are (245, 0, 489, 239) , While the monitor is in the state of displaying the split-partitioning screen of FIG 5B is arranged, the CPU changes 12 when the user selects the first screen element G2 using the remote control unit 10 selecting the current screen area from the second screen segment G3 to the first screen segment G2 as shown in FIG 5C shown. As mentioned above, the display area coordinates of the first screen segment are G2 since the single screen G1 has been divided into two equal parts with respect to the direction of the X coordinates (0, 0, 244, 239). When the user selects the second screen segment G3 using the remote control unit 10 selects when the monitor is in the state of 5C is located, the CPU returns 12 to the state of 5B back. If the user is using the navigation system using the remote control unit 10 instructs to switch to the three-part split screen display mode while the monitor is in split-split screen display mode 5B is located, disconnects the CPU 12 the entire screen of the monitor having a first screen segment G4 in which the same picture is displayed as on the first screen segment G2 in the split-partition display mode, a second screen segment G5 on the right side of the first screen segment G4 in which the same picture is displayed as displayed on the second screen segment G2 in the split-partition display mode, and a third screen segment G6 on the right side of the screen segment G5, as shown in FIG 5D shown. In this case, the third screen segment G6 is the current screen area which is currently selected. Since the overall screen of the monitor is separated into three equal parts with respect to the direction of the X coordinates, and therefore the variable range of the X coordinate of the third screen segment G6 is equal to or larger than two-thirds of that of the end point of the single screen G1 Display area coordinates of the third screen segment G6 (326, 0, 489, 239). While the monitor is in the state of displaying the three-part partition screen of 5D is located, the CPU changes 12 when the user selects the second screen segment G5 using the remote control unit 10 selecting the current screen area from the third screen segment G6 to the second screen segment G5 as shown in FIG 5E shown. As previously mentioned, the display area coordinates of the second screen segment are G5 (163, 0, 325, 239) because the overall screen of the monitor is divided into three equal parts with respect to the direction of the X coordinates, and thus the variable area of the X Coordinate of the second screen segment G5 is equal to or greater than a third of that of the end point of the single screen G1 and less than two-thirds of that of the end point of the single screen G1.

When the user instructs the navigation system using the remote control unit 10 to switch to the three-part split screen display mode while the monitor is in split-split screen display mode 5C is arranged, disconnects the CPU 12 the entire screen of the monitor is displayed in a first screen segment G4 in which the same image as displayed on the first screen segment G2 in the split screen display mode, a second screen segment G5 to the right of the first screen segment G4 and a third screen segment G6 to the right of FIG the second screen segment G5 in which the same picture is displayed as displayed on the second screen segment G3 in the divided-split screen display mode, as shown in FIG 5E shown. In this case, the second screen segment G5 is the current screen area that is currently selected. While the monitor is in the state of displaying the three-part partition screen of 5E is located, the CPU changes 12 when the user selects the first screen segment G4 using the remote control unit 10 selecting the current screen area from the second screen segment G5 to the first screen segment G4 as shown in FIG 5F shown. As mentioned above, the display area coordinates of the first screen segment G4 are (0, 0, 162, 239) since the overall screen of the monitor is divided into three equal parts with respect to the direction of the X coordinates and thus the variable area of the X Coordinate of the first screen segment G4 is less than one third of the end point of the single screen G1. When the user selects the third screen segment G6 using the remote control unit 10 selects when the monitor is in the state of 5E is, the CPU returns 12 to the state of 5D back. Similarly, the CPU returns 12 to the state of 5E when the user selects the second screen segment G5 using the remote control unit 10 selects when the monitor is in the state of 5F located.

If the user using the remote control unit 10 instructs the navigation system to switch to the four-split split screen display mode while the monitor is in three-split split screen display mode 5D is located, disconnects the CPU 12 the overall screen vertically and horizontally into four equal segments G7, G8, G9 and G10, as in 5G shown. In this case, the fourth screen segment G10, which is the lower right segment of the four-split partition screen, is the current screen area that is currently selected. Since the overall screen of the monitor is horizontally and vertically divided into the four equal segments with respect to the direction of X and Y coordinates, the display area coordinates of the fourth screen segment are G10 (245, 120, 489, 239). If the user is using the navigation system using the remote control unit 10 instructs to switch to the four-split split screen display mode while the monitor is in three-split split screen display mode 5E is located, disconnects the CPU 12 the overall screen vertically and horizontally into four equal segments G7, G8, G9 and G10, as in 5H shown. In this case, the lower left segment of the four-split partition screen is the current screen area that is currently selected. Since the overall screen of the monitor has been horizontally and vertically divided into the four equal segments with respect to the directions of X and Y coordinates, the display area coordinates of the third screen segment are G9 (0, 120, 244, 239).

While the monitor is in the state of displaying the four-split partition screen of the 5G is located, the CPU changes 12 when the user using the remote control unit 10 the first screen segment G7 selects the selection of the current screen area from the fourth screen segment G10 to the first screen segment G7 which is the upper left segment of the four-split partition screen, as in FIG 5I shown. Since the overall screen of the monitor is horizontally and vertically divided into the four equal segments with respect to the directions of the X and Y coordinates, the display area coordinates of the first screen segment are G7 (0, 0, 244, 119). If the user using the remote control unit 10 instructs the navigation system to switch to the four-split split screen display mode while the monitor is in three-split split screen display mode 5F is located, disconnects the CPU 12 the overall screen vertically and horizontally into four equal segments G7, G8, G9 and G10, as in 5J shown. In this case, the second screen segment G8, which is the upper right segment of the four-split partition screen, is the current screen area that is currently selected. Since the overall screen of the monitor is horizontally and vertically divided into the four equal segments with respect to the directions of the X and Y coordinates, the display area coordinates of the second screen segment are G8 (245, 0, 489, 119).

While the monitor is in the state of displaying the four-split partition screen of the 5G is located, the CPU changes 12 when the user using the remote control unit 10 the third screen segment G9 selects the selection of the current screen area from the fourth screen segment G10 to the third screen segment G9 as shown in FIG 5H shown. While the monitor is in the state of displaying the four-split partition screen of the 5H is located, the CPU returns 12 when the user using the remote control unit 10 the fourth screen segment G10 selects to return to the state in which the fourth screen segment G10 is currently selected, as in FIG 5G shown. Accordingly, the CPU can 12 the selection of the current screen area between the state of 5H and the state of 5I , between the state of 5H and the state of 5J , between the state of 5I and the state of 5J , or between the state of 5G and the state of 5J in response to the user's key input operation on the remote control unit 10 switch. In addition, the CPU returns 12 while the monitor is in the state of displaying the four-split partition screen of 5I when the user selects the fourth screen segment G10 using the remote control unit 10 picks back to the state as he is in 5G is shown. The above-mentioned changing of the selection of the current screen area has been taken as an example, and the CPU may change the selection of the current screen area in different ways.

The display area coordinates of one or more screen segments in each of the one-screen display mode, the split-partition screen display mode, the three-part split screen display mode and the four-split split screen display mode are in advance in a predetermined area of the storage unit 5 as a display area coordinate table 5b saved. Upon receiving the instruction of the user via the remote control unit 10 shows the CPU 12 one or more images based on one or more different functions, in the form of a single screen or a multi-split partition screen in accordance with that in the storage unit 5 stored display area coordinator tentabelle 5b at.

Next is the one in the storage unit 5 stored display area coordinate table 5b with reference to

6 explained. 6 13 is a diagram for showing the display area coordinate table DISP (a, b) indicating the display area coordinates of one or more screen segments into which the overall screen of the monitor in each of the display modes is divided from the single-screen display mode divided into split-screen display modes; Display mode, the three-part split screen display mode, and the four-split split screen display mode. Each of (a) and (b) defines a data storage location in the table, and if the overall screen of the monitor is divided into four segments, each of (a) and (b) has four possible values. Each set of four numerical values of 6 which have been described in the display area coordinate table as a table element for a corresponding one of the single-screen display mode, the split-partition display mode, the three-part split screen display mode, and the four-split split screen display mode, displays the display area coordinates of an in 5A to 5J explained corresponding umbrella segment.

Next, an example of additionally displaying an image generated by a function after switching from one screen display mode to another screen display mode with screen segments whose number is larger by 1 than that of the screen segments in the previous screen display mode will be described with reference to FIG 7A to 7J explained. 7A to 7J Fig. 15 are diagrams each showing the additional display of an image generated by a function in the currently selected screen segment after switching from the previous screen display mode to the other screen display mode. 7A is a state diagram of the single-screen display mode, 7B and 7C FIG. 3 are state diagrams of the split-partition display mode; FIG. 7D . 7E and 7F are state diagrams of the three-part split screen display mode, 7G . 7H . 7I and 7J Fig. 10 are state diagrams of the four-split split screen display mode. In 7A to 7J In addition, images generated by functions are additionally displayed on the screen in the order of a function 1, a function 2, a function 3 and a function 4. In each figure, a zone enclosed by a wide line shows the currently selected screen display segment. The above-mentioned function 1, function 2, function 3 and function 4 are each equivalent to any of four of the above-mentioned functions such as browser function, search function, e-mail function, music information function, point registration function and VICS information function.

7A Fig. 14 shows a state in which an image produced by the function 1 is displayed on the screen G1 in the single-screen display mode in which no screen splitting operation is carried out. When the user enters the navigation system via the remote control unit 10 instructs to switch from the single-screen display mode to the split-partition display mode and additionally display an image produced by the function 2 while the monitor is in the state of 7A is a split-partition screen is generated including a first screen segment G2 and a second screen segment G3, the image generated by the function 1 is displayed on the first screen segment G2, the image generated by the additionally activated function 2 is on the second screen display segment G3 is displayed on the right side of the first screen display segment G2 and the second screen display segment G3 in which the image generated by the function 2 is displayed is defined as the currently selected screen segment, as shown in FIG 7B shown. While the monitor is in the state of displaying the split-partitioning screen of 7B is located, the CPU turns off 12 when the user using the remote control unit 10 select function 1 to go to an in 7C in the state shown in which the first screen display segment G2 in which the image generated by the function 1 is displayed is selected.

When the user enters the navigation system via the remote control unit 10 instructs to switch from the split-split display mode to the split-split display mode and additionally display an image generated by the function 3 while the monitor is in the state of 7B is generated, a tripartite partition screen including a first screen segment G4, a second screen segment G5 and a third screen segment G6 is generated, the image generated by the function 1 is displayed on the first screen segment G4, the image generated by the function 2 becomes on the second screen Screen segment G5 displayed, the image generated by the additionally activated function 3 is displayed on the third screen segment G6 on the right side of the second screen segment G5 and the third screen segment G6, in which the image generated by the function 3 is displayed, as currently selected Shield segment defined as in 7D shown. When the user enters the navigation system via the remote control unit 10 instructs to switch from the split-split display mode to the split-split display mode and additionally display an image generated by the function 3 while the monitor is in the state of the 7C is generated, a tripartite partition screen including a first screen segment G4, a second screen segment G5 and a third screen segment G6 is generated, the image generated by the function 1 is displayed on the first screen segment G4, the image generated by the additionally activated function 3 becomes the second screen segment G5 is displayed on the right side of the first screen segment G4, and the image generated by the function 2 is displayed on the third screen segment G6 on the right side of the second screen segment G5, as shown in FIG 7E shown. In this case, the second screen segment G5, in which the image generated by the function 3 is displayed, is defined as the currently selected screen segment. While the monitor is in the state of displaying the three-part partition screen of 7D is located, the CPU turns off 12 when the user using the remote control unit 10 select function 1 to go to an in 7F shown state in which the first screen segment G4, in which the image generated by the function 1 is displayed, is selected.

If the user has the remote control unit 10 instructs the navigation system to switch from the three-part split screen display mode to the four-split split screen display mode and additionally display an image generated by the function 4 while the monitor is in the state of 7D is a split-partitioning screen is generated including a first screen segment G7, a second screen segment G8, a third screen segment G9 and a fourth screen segment G10, the image generated by the function 1 is displayed on the first screen segment G7 generated by the function 2 Image is displayed on the second screen segment G8, the image generated by the function 3 is displayed on the third screen segment G9, and the image generated by the additionally activated function 4 is displayed on the fourth screen segment G10, and the fourth screen segment G10 in which the is displayed as a currently selected screen segment as shown in FIG 7G shown. When the user enters the navigation system via the remote control unit 10 instructs to switch from the three-part split screen display mode to the four-split split screen display mode and additionally display an image generated by the function 4 while the monitor is in the state of 7E is generated, a four-split partition screen including a first screen segment G7, a second screen segment G8, a third screen segment G9 and a fourth screen segment G10 is generated, the image generated by the function 1 is displayed on the first screen segment G7 generated by the function 3 Image is displayed on the second screen segment G8, the image generated by the additionally activated function 4 is displayed on the third screen segment G9, and the image generated by the function 2 is displayed on the fourth screen segment G10 as shown in FIG 7H shown. In this case, the fourth screen segment G10, in which the image generated by the function 4 is displayed, is defined as the currently selected screen segment.

When the user enters the navigation system via the remote control unit 10 instructs to switch from the three-part split screen display mode to the four-split split screen display mode and additionally display an image generated by the function 4 while the monitor is in the state of 7F is a split-partitioning screen is generated including a first screen segment G7, a second screen segment G8, a third screen segment G9 and a fourth screen segment G10, the image generated by the function 1 is displayed in the first screen segment G7 that of the additionally activated function 4 is displayed in the second screen segment G8, the image generated by the function 2 is displayed on the third screen segment G9, and the image generated by the function 4 is displayed on the fourth screen segment G10 as shown in FIG 7I shown. In this case, the second screen segment G8, in which the image generated by the function 4 is displayed, is defined as the currently selected screen segment. While the monitor is in the state of displaying the four-split partition screen of the 7G located, causes the CPU 12 when the user using the remote control unit 10 Function 1 selects the monitor to switch to the in 7J shown state in which the first screen segment G7, in which the image generated by the function 1 is displayed, is selected. The above-mentioned additional display of an image generated by an additional function is taken as an example, and the CPU may also display an image generated by an additional function in a different manner.

According to the input operation of the user via the remote control unit 10 saves the CPU 12 one or more pieces of information each indicating one or more functions that produce one or more images displayed on one or more screen segments of the screen of the monitor in either a single screen display mode, a split split screen display mode, a three split split screen display mode, or a split-screen display mode into the functional-state storage table 5c located in a predetermined area of the storage unit 5 is provided. The CPU then updates 12 each time a one-to-one correspondence between all screen segments either one Single screen or a multi-split partition screen and one or more different functions, each of which generates one or more images displayed on all screen segments, in accordance with the user's input via the remote control unit 10 changes the contents of the health state storage table 5c and displays the one or more images generated by the one or more different functions in the single screen or the multi-split partition screen based on the updated functional state storage table. The CPU 12 is provided with a function called a functional state storage table updating device for updating the functional state storage table 5c serves.

As previously with reference to 2 to 4 For example, when an image based on (ie, generated by) a specific function is always displayed on at least one screen segment of the multi-split partition screen, a name indicating the specific function is stored in the functional state storage table 5c pre-stored. The screen segment in which an image is displayed based on the specific function is a screen segment (eg, a search screen element) in which an image indicating the position of a certain point is displayed, a screen segment (eg, a browser screen segment) in which an object displaying on the Internet is displayed, or a screen segment (eg, a music information screen segment) in which an image indicating music information is displayed.

Next, the functional state storage table 5c which, as mentioned above, in a predetermined area of the memory unit 5 is provided with reference to 8A to 8D explained. 8A to 8D 12 are diagrams each showing the contents of the functional state storage table FUNC (c) storing a one-to-one correspondence between screen segments and image generating functions respectively displayed on the screen segments when an image generated by a function is added is displayed on a single screen, a split split screen, a split three split screen, or a split split screen. In other words, 8A FIG. 12 shows the contents of the functional state storage table in the single-screen display mode; FIG. 8B shows the contents of the functional state storage table in the divided-partition display mode; 8C FIG. 12 shows the contents of the functional state storage table in the three-part split screen display mode and FIG 8D Fig. 12 shows the contents of the functional state storage table in the four-split-partition display mode. When the monitor has the single-screen display mode, the split-partition screen display mode, the three-split split screen display mode or the four-split split screen display mode as mentioned above, the functional state storage table FUNC (c) has the following four elements: FUNC (FIG. 1) to FUNC (4), as in 8A to 8D are shown, each defining data storage locations in the table.

In the single-screen display mode, the number of screen segments that can be generated on the screen of the monitor is one. In this case, as in 8A shown is a "function 1" corresponding to the names of a picture generating function displayed on the single screen stored in FUNC (1), and FUNC (2) to FUNC (4) are made to be NULL (empty). Similarly, in the split-partition display mode, the number of screen segments that can be generated on the screen of the monitor is two, and thus two different functions respectively can display images in the two screen segments. In this case, as in 8B 1, a "function 1" indicating the name of a corresponding image generating function displayed on the first screen segment is stored in the FUNC (1), a "function 2" corresponding to the name corresponding to a picture generating function displayed on the second screen segment is shown in FIG FUNC (2) and FUNC (3) and FUNC (4) are made NULL. In addition, in the three-part split screen display mode, the number of screen segments that can be generated on the screen of the monitor is three, and thus three different functions can display pictures in the three screen segments, respectively. In this case, as in 8C 1, "Function 1" indicating the name of a corresponding function generating a picture displayed on the first screen segment is stored in FUNC (1), "Function 2q" indicating the name of a corresponding function generating a picture displayed in the second screen segment is shown in FIG FUNC (2), a "function 3" indicating the name of a corresponding function generating a picture displayed in the third screen segment is stored in FUNC (3), and FUNC (4) is made ZERO. Similarly, in the four-split split screen display mode, the number of screen segments that can be generated on the screen of the monitor is four, and thus four different functions can display pictures in the four screen segments, respectively. In this case, as in 8D 1, a "function 1" indicating the name of a corresponding function generating a picture displayed on the first screen segment is stored in FUNC (1), which becomes "function 2" indicating the name of a corresponding function displaying a picture screen displayed in the second screen segment stored in FUNC (2), a "function 3" indicating the name of a corresponding function generating an image displayed in the third screen segment is stored in FUNC (3), and indicating the name of a corresponding function generating an image displayed on the fourth screen segment Function44 stores FUNC (4).

Next, an example of displaying the frame showing the current screen area currently being selected (ie, the currently selected screen segment) in each of the four screen display modes will be described with reference to FIG 9A to 9J explained. 9A to 9J 15 are the diagrams respectively showing the frame indicating the current screen area which is currently selected in the single-screen display mode, the divided-split screen display mode, the three-split split screen display mode, and the four-split split screen display mode the remote control 10 is specified or selected by the user, and WAKU (d, w) shows the position of the frame. 9A is a state diagram of the single-screen display mode, 9B and 9c FIG. 3 are state diagrams of the split-partition display mode; FIG. 9D . 9E and 9F are state diagrams of the three-part split screen display mode, 9G . 9H . 9I and 9J Fig. 10 are state diagrams of the four-split split screen display mode. In these figures, g in WAKU (d, w) indicates the number of screen segments, and w in WAKU (d, w) indicates a number (henceforth referred to as the current screen area number) assigned to the currently selected screen segment (ie , the position of the currently selected screen segment). A connected rectangle surrounded by a thick line in each of the figures shows the frame indicating the currently selected screen segment. In the case of 9A showing the state of the single screen G1 on which no screen division operation has been performed, there is no selection concept of the active screen area and the number of screen segments is d = 1 and the current screen area number is w = 1 9A WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (1, 1).

In the case of 9B in which a split-partition display is generated, the framing rectangle of the first screen segment G2 of the frames (hereinafter referred to as the currently selected screen area frame) indicating the current screen area, and the number of screen segments is d = 2 and the current screen area number is w = 1. Thus, in the case of 9B WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (2, 1). In the case of 9C in which a split-partition display is generated, the framing rectangle of the second screen segment G3 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is d = 2 and the current-screen area number is w = 2. Thus, in the case of FIG 9B WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (2, 2).

In the case of 9D in which a three-part split screen display is generated, the framing rectangle of the first screen segment G4 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is d = 3 and the current screen area number is w = 1. Thus, in the case of FIG 9D WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (3, 1). In the case of 9E in which a tripartite split screen display is generated, the framing rectangle of the second screen segment G5 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is w = 3 and the current screen area number is w = 2 9E WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (3, 2). In the case of 9F in which a three-part split screen display is generated, the framing rectangle of the third screen segment G5 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is d = 3, and the current screen area number is w = 3. Thus, in the case of FIG 9F WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (3, 3).

In the case of 9G in which a four-split split screen display is generated, the framing rectangle of the first screen segment G7 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is d = 4 and the current screen area number is w = 1. Thus, in the case of FIG 9G WAKU (d, w) = AKU (4, 1). In the case of 9H in which a four-split split screen display is generated, the framing rectangle of the second screen segment G4 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is d = 4 and the current screen area number is w = 2. Therefore, in the case of 9H WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (4, 2). In the case of 9I in which a four-split split screen display is generated, the framing rectangle of the third screen segment G9 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is d = 4, and the current screen area number is w = 3. Thus, in the case of FIG 9I WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (4, 3). In the case of 9J in which a four-split split screen display is generated, the framing rectangle of the fourth screen segment G10 is the currently selected screen area frame, and the number of screen segments is d = 4, and the current screen area number is w = 4. Therefore, in the case of 9J WAKU (d, w) = WAKU (4, 4).

The previously explained framework data WA KU (d, w) are stored in the functional state storage table 5c along with the one-to-one correspondence between screen segments and functions.

Next, selecting an area, grouping and pasting will be explained with reference to FIG 10A to 10C explained. 10A to 10C are diagrams, each of which shows selecting a range, copying, and pasting. 10A shows a case of selecting, copying and pasting a character string, 10B shows a case of selecting, copying and pasting an image file and 10B shows a case of selecting, copying and pasting an electronic file. While creating a multi-part split screen display on the monitor 8th For example, the CPU allows the user to make a selection of an area including a character string, image information, or electronics file existing within a screen segment when the user selects an area including a character string, image information, or electronics file and issues an instruction , the character string, the image information or the electronic file temporarily in the copy memory area 5a the storage unit 5 and then store the string, image information or electronics file stored in the copy memory area 5a is stored at a string input location, an image information input location, or an electronics file input location specified by the user in another screen segment. The CPU 12 is provided with a processing function, an area selection means for enabling the user to make a selection of an area including a character string, an image information or an electronic file existing within a screen segment, and an inserter for inserting the character string, the image information or the Electronics file stored in the copy memory area 5a the storage unit 5 is stored at a string input location, image information insertion location, or electronics file insertion location specified by the user in another screen segment.

In 10A For example, a function A associated with a screen segment may be a browser function for performing Internet communications. For example, when the user selects an area including an address displayed on a browser screen generated by a function A, and then issues an instruction to copy and paste a character string showing the address, the CPU inserts 12 the string at a string input location specified by the user in another screen segment, such as a search screen generated by a function B, for example, as an address search function. This allows the user to save the time and effort of entering the string into another screen segment, such as a search screen. In addition, since the user can make a selection of an area including a string while checking both a screen segment (on which the character string is displayed) and another screen segment in which the character string is to be inserted, the user may make mistakes in copying and pasting avoid the string.

Similarly, in 10B a function A associated with a screen segment will be a browser function for performing Internet communications. For example, when the user selects an area including an image file displayed on a browser screen generated by the function A, and then issues an instruction to copy and paste the image file, the CPU inserts 12 the image file at an image file insertion location specified by the user on another screen segment such as a music information screen generated by a function C, for example, as a function of displaying music information. This allows the user to save the time and effort of pasting the image file into another screen segment such as a music information screen.

moreover the user can avoid errors when copying and pasting the image file.

Similarly, in the 10C a function A associated with a screen segment will be a browser function for performing Internet communications. For example, when the user selects an area including an electronics file A displayed on a browser screen generated by the function A, and then issues an instruction to copy and paste the electronics file A, the CPU inserts 12 the electronics file A at an electronics file insertion point specified by the user on another screen segment, for example as an e-mail screen generated by a function D, for example as a function of sending and receiving e-mails. This allows the user to save time and effort to insert the electronics file into another screen segment, such as an e-mail screen. In addition, the user can avoid errors when copying and pasting the electronics file.

Next is the operation of the CPU 12 as described with reference to 2 to 10C explained processes with reference to 11 to 20 described. 11 is a Flowchart to show processing by the CPU 12 is executed when a menu influence key event using the remote control unit 10 occurs.

In 11 assigns the CPU 12 in step ST1, if it is a keypad input from the remote control 10 via the light receiving unit 11 receives the key entered to a key and proceeds to step ST2.

In step ST2, the CPU determines 12 of which type is the key) and then proceeds either to step ST3 or to step ST8 in accordance with the particular type of argument key.

In step ST3, when it is determined that the determination of step ST2 indicates "clear", the CPU generates 12 a deletion event and then proceeds to step ST9.

In step ST4, when it is determined that the determination of step ST2 indicates "split screen", the CPU generates 12 a screen splitting event and then proceeds to step ST9.

In step ST5, when it is determined that the determination of step ST2 indicates "selection of an area", the CPU generates 12 an area selection event and then proceeds to step ST9.

In step ST6, when it is determined that the determination of step ST2 indicates "copying", the CPU generates 12 a copying event and then proceeds to step ST9.

In step ST7, when it is determined that the determination of step ST2 indicates "insert", the CPU generates 12 an insert event and then proceeds to step ST9.

In step ST8, when it is determined that the determination of step ST2 indicates "another operation", the CPU writes 12 the contents of the functional state storage table (FUNC (w)) based on the contents of the argument key (key) and proceeds to step ST9.

In step ST9, the CPU generates 12 a display processing event and ends the in 11 shown processing. Next, the processing explained by the CPU 12 is executed when in step ST3 of the flowchart of 11 the deletion event occurs with reference to 12 explained. 12 Fig. 10 is a flowchart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the erase event in step ST3 of 11 occurs.

As in 12 shown, the CPU determines 12 in step ST10, when the erase event occurs, whether to perform a full screen erase operation (erase all) or a current selection screen erase operation (erase individual), and if it is determined that a full screen erase operation has been performed, advances to step ST11 ,

in the Step ST11, the CPU orders an initial value of 1 of the number or frequency s to, with which the processing is carried out and then goes on to step ST12.

In step ST12, the CPU determines 12 whether the frequency s at which the processing is executed exceeds its maximum value Max (ie, s> Max), and if it is determined that the frequency s at which the processing is executed exceeds the maximum value (ie, if Step ST12 NO), it goes to step ST13.

in the Step ST13 instructs the CPU 12 to the s-th element FUNC (s) of the functional state storage table ZERO and then move to step ST14.

In step ST14, the CPU inserts 12 1 (ie, s = s + 1) at the frequency s at which the processing is performed, and then returns to step ST12.

In contrast, when it is determined in step ST12 that the frequency s at which the processing is executed exceeds the maximum number Max (ie, if YES in step ST12), the CPU advances 12 proceed to step ST15.

In step ST15, the CPU orders 12 1 initializes each of the numbers d of screen segments and the current screen area number w and terminates the in 12 shown processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST10 that a current selection operation has been performed, the CPU goes 12 go to step ST16.

In step ST16, the CPU clears 12 the contents of a corresponding element of the selected health state storage table (ie FUNC (w) assigns NULL) and terminate the in 12 shown processing.

Next, the processing is done by the CPU 12 is executed when the screen splitting event in step ST4 of the flowchart of the 11 occurs, with reference to 13 explained. 13 Fig. 10 is a flow chart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the screen partitioning event in step ST4 the 11 occurs.

As in 13 shown, the CPU determines 12 when the screen splitting event occurs, in step ST17, whether the sum of 1 and the number d of screen segments into which the overall screen of the monitor is to be divided exceeds an upper limit Max of the number d of screen segments (ie, d + 1> max ). If it is determined that (d + 1) exceeds the upper limit Max (ie, if YES in step ST17), the CPU goes 12 proceed to step ST18, whereas if it is determined that (d + 1) the upper limit Max does not exceed (ie, NO in step ST17), the CPU 12 Go to step ST19.

In step ST18, the CPU generates 12 a screen splitting event.

In contrast, the CPU determines 12 in step ST19, whether or not the number d of screen segments is equal to the current screen area number w (ie, d = w). If it is determined that the number d of screen segments is not equal to the current screen area number w (ie, NO if step ST19), the CPU goes 12 proceed to step ST20, whereas if it is determined that the number d of screen segments is equal to the current screen area number w (ie, if YES in step ST19), the CPU 12 proceeds to step ST21.

In step ST20, the CPU generates 12 a FUNC rearrangement event and proceeds to step ST21.

In step ST21, the CPU inserts 12 to the number d of screen elements 1 (d = d + 1), and then proceeds to step ST22.

In step ST22, the CPU adds 12 is added to the display screen number w 1 (w = w + 1) to change the selection of the current screen area, and then ends the in 13 shown processing.

Next, the processing explained by the CPU 12 is executed when the FUNC rearrangement event in step ST20 of the flowchart of the 12 occurs, with reference to 14 , 14 Fig. 10 is a flowchart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the FUNC rearrangement event in step ST20 the 13 occurs.

As in 14 shown, maps the CPU 12 when the FUNC rearrangement event occurs, an initial value of 0 to the number of times the processing is performed (ie, s = 0) and then to step ST24.

In step ST24, the CPU determines 12 whether or not the frequency s at which the processing is performed is equal to the difference between the number d of the screen segments and the current screen area number w (ie, s = d-w).

If it is determined that s is equal to d-w (ie, YES in step ST24), the CPU ends 12 in the 14 processing, whereas if it is determined that s is not equal to d-w (ie, if NO in step ST24), the CPU proceeds to step ST25.

In step ST25, the CPU moves 12 the contents of FUNC (d - s) become FUNC (d + 1 - s) and then move to step ST26.

In step ST26, the CPU adds 12 1 to the number s of the number of times the processing is performed (ie, s = s +1) and returns to step ST 24.

Next, the processing is done by the CPU 12 is executed when the screen partition inhibiting event in step ST18 of the flowchart of 12 occurs, with reference to 15 explained. 15 Fig. 10 is a flow chart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the screen partition inhibit event in step ST18 of 13 occurs.

As in 15 In step ST27, when the screen partition inhibit event occurs, the CPU 12 stores the contents of the drawing arrangement table 5d the storage unit 5 in a drawing arrangement table for storage purposes, which is located in the same area as that in which the drawing arrangement table 5d is stored, and then proceeds to step ST28.

In step ST28, the CPU orders 12 the drawing arrangement table so that an indication "The screen can not be divided anymore" is displayed on the screen of the monitor and then proceeds to step ST29.

In step ST29, the CPU generates 12 a drawing event and proceeds to step ST30.

In step ST30, the CPU copies 12 the contents of the drawing arrangement table for storage purposes in the drawing arrangement table 2d and then proceeds to step ST31.

In step ST31, the CPU generates 12 a drawing event and ends the in 15 shown processing.

Next will be a processing by the CPU 12 is executed when the display ver processing event in step ST9 of the flowchart of 11 occurs, with reference to 16 explained. 16 Fig. 10 is a flow chart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the display processing event in step ST9 of 11 occurs.

As in 16 shown, maps the CPU 12 That is, when the display processing event occurs, in step ST32, an initial value of 1 of the number s of the number of times the processing is executed (ie, s = 1) and then advances to step ST33.

In step ST33, the CPU determines 12 whether the number s of the number of times the processing is performed exceeds the number d of screen segments (ie, s> d), and if it is determined that the number s of the number of times the processing is performed does not exceed the number d of screen segments (ie, if NO in step ST33), it proceeds to step ST34.

In step ST34, the CPU arranges 12 the drawing arrangement table 5d such that an image specified by FUNC (s) is displayed on a screen segment specified by DISP (d, s), and then proceeds to step ST35.

In step ST35, the CPU determines 12 whether or not the number s of the number of times the processing is performed is equal to the current screen area number w (ie, s = w). If it is determined that s equals w (if step ST35 returns YES), the CPU goes 12 proceed to step ST36, whereas if it is determined that s is not equal to w (if step ST35 returns NO), the CPU 12 proceeds to step ST37.

In step ST36, the CPU performs 12 a drawing arrangement of the currently selected screen area frame based on the frame data WAKU (d, w) in the drawing arrangement table 5d by.

In step ST37, the CPU adds 12 1 to the number s of the number of times the processing is executed (ie, s = s + 1) and returns to step ST33.

In contrast, when it is determined in step ST33 that the number s of the number of times the processing is performed exceeds the number d of the screen segments (ie, if YES in step ST33), the CPU goes 12 go to step ST38.

In step ST38, the CPU generates 12 a drawing event and ends the in 16 shown processing.

Next, the processing is done by the CPU 12 is executed when the area selection event in step ST5 of the flowchart of 11 occurs, with reference to 17 explained. 17 Fig. 10 is a flow chart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the area selection event in step ST5 the 11 occurs.

As in 17 12, in step ST39, when the area selection event occurs, the CPU 12 stores position information on the starting point and the end point of the selected area as the starting point (SX, SY) and end point (EX, EY), and proceeds to step ST40.

In step ST40, the CPU rewrites the contents of FUNC (w) so that the selected area can be colored and thus distinguishable, and then ends the in 17 shown processing.

Next, the processing is done by the CPU 12 is executed when the copying event in step ST6 of the flowchart of the 11 occurs, with reference to 18 explained. 18 Fig. 10 is a flow chart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the copying event in step ST6 the 11 occurs.

As in 18 shown, the CPU saves 12 when the copying event occurs, in step ST41, a character string, an image file or an electronic file arranged in a region passing through the start point (SX, SY) and the end point (EX, EY) in the copy memory area 5a the storage unit 5 is specified, and then ends the in 18 shown processing.

Next, the processing is done by the CPU 12 is executed when the insert event in step ST7 of the flowchart of the 11 occurs, with reference to 19 explained. 19 Fig. 10 is a flow chart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is performed when the insert event in step ST7 of 11 occurs.

As in 19 shown, the CPU determines 12 if the insert event occurs, in step ST42, whether or not the location specified by the user is a location at which the copy memory area 5a saved file can be inserted. When it is determined that the location specified by the user is not a location at which the copy memory area 5a stored file can be inserted (ie, in step ST42 NO), terminates the CPU 12 in the 19 whereas, if it is determined that the location specified by the user is a place, then processing is done without anything is at which the in the copy memory area 5a stored file can be inserted (ie, in step ST42 YES), the CPU 12 proceeds to step ST43.

In step ST43, the CPU writes 12 the contents of FUNC (w) are new so that those in the copy memory area 5a saved file is pasted to the special location and then ends the in 19 shown processing.

Next will be a processing by the CPU 12 is executed when the drawing event in step ST31 of the flowchart of the 15 occurs, with reference to 20 explained. 20 Fig. 10 is a flowchart for showing the processing performed by the CPU 12 is executed when the drawing event in step ST31 of 15 occurs.

As in 20 shown points the CPU 12 when the drawing event occurs, in step ST44, the graphic IC 7 is to generate a screen display in accordance with the drawing arrangement table, and the graphic IC 7 displays images generated by functions specified by the functional condition storage table on the monitor 8th at. The CPU 12 then finish the in 20 shown processing.

As mentioned above, according to this embodiment, 1 is the single CPU 12 is configured to perform route guidance control processing of searching for a route guidance from a current position of the vehicle to the target position based on the one of the current position detection unit 1 received instantaneous position and in the card information unit 2 stored map information, and processing of displaying route guidance information to the monitor 8th , and a process of displaying one or more images generated by one or more different functions specified or selected by the user with the remote control unit 10 from a variety of functions that are a function of communication with communication equipment or the like using the communication unit 3 a function of fetching information using the communication unit 3 and functions associated with the above-mentioned route guidance control processing, such as position search function and position registering function, on the monitor 8th either in single screen display mode or in multi-split screen display mode. For example, the vehicle navigation system may include two or more images based on two or more different functions from the group consisting of a browser function, a search function, an e-mail function, a music information function, a point registration function, and a VICS information function that is not conventionally displayed in the multi-split screen display mode by a single processor on the monitor 8th display. With a simplified structure required to carry out the signal processing, the vehicle navigation system allows the user to simultaneously check two or more information provided by two or more functions and to efficiently use information provided by one function as information of another function.

In addition, the CPU can 12 indicate an image showing the position of a certain point, an image showing an object from the Internet, or an image displaying a music information on a multi-split screen. As a result, an image based on a function that is used with a high regularity or that is particularly needed can always display on the multi-split partition screen.

In addition, the CPU can 12 allow the user to make a selection of an area including a character string, image information or electronic file existing within a screen segment of the multi-split partition screen when the user selects an area including a character string, image information or electronic file and an instruction for Copy it outputs the string, image information, or electronics file in a copy memory area 5a the storage unit 5 store temporarily, and then the string, image information or electronics file stored in the copy memory area 5a is stored at a string entry location, an image information insertion location, or an electronics file insertion location specified by the user in another screen segment. This allows the user to save the time and effort of entering a string, inserting an image file or electronic file into another screen segment of the multi-split partition screen. Also, since the user can make a selection of an area including a character string, an image file or an electronic file while checking both a screen segment on which the character string or the like is displayed and another screen segment on which the character string or the like is inserted is, the user can avoid an error when copying and pasting the character string or the like. For example, when an image generated by a browser function of performing Internet communications is displayed on the first screen segment of a split-partition screen, and an image generated by a search function is displayed on the second screen 2, the CPU 12 may allow the user to make a selection from an area including a string indicating an address or the like in the browser screen, which is the first screen segment, and may be the character string in the search screen, which is the second screen segment.

Lots widely different embodiments of the present invention be constructed without departing from the scope of the present invention departing. It should be understood that the present Invention not to the specific embodiments described in the description limited unless defined in the appended claims.

Claims (8)

Vehicle navigation system, characterized in that the system comprises: a current position detection unit ( 1 ) for detecting a current position of a vehicle; a map information unit ( 2 ) for storing map information; an operating device ( 10 and 11 ) for inputting a specification of a single screen mode or a multi-split split screen display mode, a specification of a function assigned to an image to be displayed on a single screen or each screen segment of a multi-split split screen, and specifications required for route guidance; a display device ( 7 and 8th ) for displaying the image based on the function specified by the operation device on the single screen or the respective screen segment of the multi-split partition screen and for displaying information about the route guidance; a communication device ( 3 and 4 ) to communicate with the Internet or other source of information; and a navigation control device ( 5 and 12 ) to cause a single processor to execute route guidance guidance processing of searching for a route from the current position of the vehicle to a destination, based on the current position of the vehicle obtained by the current position detection unit and the map information stored in the map information unit, and Displaying the information about the route guidance on the display device and performing a process of displaying one or more images based on one or more different functions specified by the operation device from functions that are a function of the communication using the communication device a function of fetching information using the communication device, and functions associated with the route guidance control processing such as a position search function and a dot registration function, on the display device in either the single screen display mode or the multi-split split screen display mode. Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the navigation control device at least one of the screen segments of the multi-split partition screen as a screen segment used in which a pointing a position of a certain point Image is displayed. Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the navigation control system at least one Screen segment of the multi-split partition screen used as a screen segment in which an object on the Internet showing picture is displayed. Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the navigation control system at least one Screen segment of the multi-split partition screen used as a screen segment in which a music information showing Image is displayed. A vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the navigation control device can display two to four of a plurality of images specified by the operation device on the multi-split partition screen, the plurality of images including a browser screen displayed on a browser. Function of browsing a web page on the Internet using the communication device based on a search screen image on a search function of searching for position data using a character string such as an address as a search key using the communication device or the map information unit, an e-mail screen, which is based on an e-mail function of sending and receiving e-mail using the communication device, a music information screen based on a music information function of fetching music information using the communication device, a Pun a registration screen based on a point registration function of performing registration of position data searched by the search function, and a VICS information screen based on a VICS information function of obtaining route guidance related information such as information based on traffic congestion, using the communication device. Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the navigation control device includes an area selection device for selecting one Range of a string that is in a screen segment of the multi-split partition screen exists, a storage device for temporarily storing the character string and an inserter to paste the stored in the tensioning device string on a String input location on another screen segment of the multi-split partition screen. Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the navigation control system comprises an area selection device includes to choose a range of image information stored in a screen segment of the multi-split partition screen exists, a storage device to the temporary Storing the image information part and an insertion device to insert the Image information part stored in the storage device has been at an image information insertion point of another screen segment of the More Divided split screen. Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the navigation control system comprises an area selection device includes to choose a portion of an electronics file stored in a screen segment of the multi-split partition screen exists, a storage device to the temporary Save the electronics file, and an inserter for inserting the Electronic file stored in the storage device at an electronics file insertion point of a another screen segment of the multi-split partition screen.