JP2000258182A - Navigation device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the speedy input of a desired address by inputting a character string part of the address in a list form and inputting a numerical part of the address by a ten-key system. SOLUTION: A navigation ECU(electronic control unit) 10 searches and computes a route to a destination through the use of map data. A map database 12 supplies map data for the navigation ECU 10. In the case of inputting a destination and via points or displaying the map data of a specific area, a user inputs a desired address from an operating part 14 to supply it for the navigation ECU 10. Two types of input forms are used for inputting addresses. In other words, a first form is a list form to be used to input a character part of an address. A second form is a ten-key form to input a numerical part (the house number of an address) of an address. The input forms are switched by changing a touch switch displayed on a display 16 by the navigation ECU 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device, and more particularly to an input format for inputting a destination or the like by an address.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a navigation device which inputs a destination, searches for a route to the destination, displays the route on a display device, and guides the vehicle.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-120256 discloses a technique for displaying map data including a desired point by inputting a telephone number from which information can be easily obtained on a daily basis in a numeric keypad format.

[0004]

However, when the telephone number is unknown or when it is desired to display map data of a specific area, it is necessary to input an address. In the configuration in which the display is performed and the user selects the address, there is a problem that it takes time to input a desired address.

For example, “5-3 Asahigaoka, Akabane-cho, Aichi Prefecture”
When inputting an address "-1", it is easy to select from the list display up to "Asahigaoka, Akabane-cho, Aichi Prefecture".
When the list is displayed sequentially from the chome, it takes a long time to select the fifth chome, and there is a problem that the number portion cannot be quickly input in the list format.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and has as its object to provide an apparatus capable of promptly inputting a desired address.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation device having an address input function, wherein the first input means inputs a character string portion of an address in a list format. And a second input means for inputting the numeric part of the address in a ten-key format. The address can be quickly and easily input by inputting the numeric part, specifically the door number part of the address, in a numeric keypad format instead of a list format.

[0008] A second invention is a medium for recording a control program for executing an address input function in navigation, and the program stores the control program in a computer.
A character portion list of the address is displayed on the display device in a list format, and the numerical portion of the address is displayed on the display device in a numeric keypad format.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment. Navigation ECU (electronic control unit)
Reference numeral 10 denotes a microcomputer which executes a search operation for a route to a destination using map data. The map database 12 is composed of a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, and stores map data in the navigation ECU 10.
To supply. The operation unit 14 inputs a destination, a waypoint, or various commands, and input data is supplied to the navigation ECU 10. When inputting a destination or waypoint, or displaying map data of a specific area, the user inputs a desired address from the operation unit 14 and supplies the address to the navigation ECU 10. The method of inputting the address will be described later. The operation unit 14 includes buttons,
It may be configured as a touch switch displayed on a display. The display 16 displays the current position of the detected vehicle together with the map data, and also displays the route to the destination obtained by the search. Further, map data corresponding to the address input by the user is displayed. The speaker 18 outputs audio data to guide the vehicle along the route to the destination. The position detection device 20 detects the absolute position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle by GPS and supplies the detected position to the navigation ECU 10. Of course, the position detecting device 2
DGPS for performing error correction using an error signal transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting as 0 may be used, and position detection using a combination of a direction sensor and a distance sensor may be performed.

In such a configuration, when the user inputs a desired address, the user inputs the address using two types of input formats. That is, the first format is a list format, which is used when a character portion of an address is input. The second format is a numeric keypad format, which is used when inputting a numeric part of an address (specifically, a door number of the address). The input format is switched by changing the touch switch displayed on the display 16 by the navigation ECU 10. When displaying the list format, the navigation ECU 10 reads out the place name data stored in the map database 12, makes a list, and displays the list on the display 16.

[0012] Hereinafter, "1-2 Asahigaoka, Akabane-cho, Aichi Prefecture"
The switching of the touch switch displayed on the display 16 will be described with reference to an example of inputting the address "3".

FIG. 2 shows an initial screen for inputting an address. By operating an address input switch displayed at a predetermined position on the screen from the normal navigation screen, the screen is switched to this screen. On the screen, the names of prefectures are displayed in a list in the order of the Japanese syllabary.
When the "A" line is selected, "Aichi" is selected from the prefectures beginning with "A", and the "next" switch is operated, the input of Aichi is confirmed and the screen shifts to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a screen for inputting a city, town, and village. The names of cities, towns, and villages are displayed in the order of the Japanese syllabary in the same manner as in FIG. 2. When inputting Akabane town, select the "A" line. ,
Select “Akabane-cho” from the municipalities starting with “A” and operate the “Next” switch.

FIG. 4 shows a screen in the case where a character portion of the address further exists. A list of place names is displayed in the order of the Japanese syllabary. By selecting "Asahigaoka" from this and operating the "Next" switch, Determine.

FIG. 5 shows a screen for inputting a block, in a list format, “All Asahigaoka”, “1”, “2”, “3”,.
・ Is displayed. Here, “1”, “2”,... Mean 1-chome, 2-chome,. The list is in numerical order. When inputting Asahigaoka 1-chome, select "1" and confirm.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show that in the navigation apparatus, when inputting an address, it is determined that the character string is to be input by the means for determining whether or not the input portion is a character string. Indicates that the input is being performed in a state in which the input means in the list is selected based on the.

FIG. 6 shows a screen after inputting the data up to @chome. In the list, a switch of "designating an address" is displayed in addition to "All Asahigaoka 1". When it is necessary to input an address further than the address 〇〇, the user operates the “designate address” switch.

When "the main part around Asahigaoka 1" is selected, it is possible to display a map of the whole 1-chome assuming that the entire 1-chome Asahigaoka has been selected. As a result, the driver can know the entire map around the destination.

FIG. 6 shows that in the navigation apparatus, when inputting an address, it is determined that a number is to be input by means for determining whether or not the input character is a character string.
This is a state in which the driver is informed that the display means can select the input means using the ten keys based on the determination.

FIG. 7 shows a screen when "designate an address" is operated on the screen of FIG. 6, and a ten key 30 is displayed at the center of the screen. The door numbers after the 〇〇-chome are a lot number and a plate number, and it is clear that a number is to be entered. Therefore, the navigation ECU 10 displays the ten keys 30 instead of the list display. The user can easily input the remaining "2-3" portion of the address using the numeric keypad. The display position of the numeric keypad is arbitrary, but it is preferable to display the numeric keypad in the center of the screen as shown in the figure in consideration of ease of input. The numeric keypad 30 includes a numeral and a hyphen "-"
Alternatively, it is preferable to include a minus sign "-". This is because it can be used as a number separator. Further, it is preferable that the ten keys 30 include a completion key for confirming the input of a number.

FIG. 8 shows a screen at the time when the input of 2-3 in FIG. 7 is completed. In this state, by operating the "Complete" switch, the input is determined, and all input of the address is completed. After the address input is completed, the navigation ECU 1
0 indicates, for example, a map of the corresponding address in the map database 12
And read it out.

If a correction is required, a "correction" switch shown on the screen is operated. In this case, the means for erasing one previously input number deletes one character and allows the input with the ten keys again. Thereby, the correction can be easily performed. If the "correction" switch is operated in the state where 2-3 is input, 2-
And the next number will be entered. If no character remains when the number is erased when the "correction" switch is operated, the screen is returned to the screen of FIG. 7, that is, the initial state of inputting the number. Thereby, the driver can recognize that the number is to be input from the beginning.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the house number of the address can be displayed using the numeric keypad, so that the input can be made easier and faster than in the case of inputting in the form of a list.

In this embodiment, up to @chome is entered in a list format, but it is of course possible to enter the @chome portion in a ten-key format.
In this case, the part of "Asahigaoka, Akabane-cho, Aichi Prefecture" is input in a list format, and the part of "1-2-3" is input in a numeric keypad format.

In this embodiment, the navigation EC is operated when the "designate address" switch is operated.
U10 switches from the list format to the numeric keypad format, but it is also possible to automatically display the numeric keypad after the completion of the input of the character portion of the address to prompt the input of the door number.
In this case, when it is determined by the means for determining whether the character to be input is a character string to input a number, the input means using the numeric keypad can be automatically selected based on the determination. This has the effect that the burden on the user can be reduced. When the numeric keypad is automatically displayed and the user determines that the input of the house number is not necessary, the user may operate the “complete” switch without inputting a number.

When the "Complete" switch is operated, there is provided a means for recognizing that the address at the time when the "Complete" is operated is set as a destination, and a navigation route search is performed based on the destination. And displaying a map around the destination.

For example, if the "Complete" switch is operated at the stage where 2 (address) is selected, it is determined that the entire address 2 is selected, and a map around address 2 is displayed as a map around the destination. Can be done.

When the input is performed by the input means using the ten keys, the inputtable numbers can be displayed on the ten key display means. For example, it is possible to provide means for making the display color of numbers that can be input different from the display color of numbers that cannot be input, or for blinking. In this case, there is provided a means for determining the inputtable numbers based on the address database in the map database, and a means for changing the display of the inputtable numbers. Thus, the driver can determine which address can be selected, and can reduce the burden of input when the address is not clearly remembered.

The following means can be provided for the case where the input is incorrect when inputting numbers.
When an address is input, there are means for judging whether or not an address corresponding to the address exists based on an address database in the map database, and means for displaying "error" when it does not exist. For example, "1-2-
If "3" is input and the "Done" switch is operated,
When "1-2-3" does not exist, "error" is displayed. In this case, the operator can recognize that the input address does not exist. Further FIG.
If there is a means for prompting the operator to input an address as shown in the above, since the driver can try the input again,
Accurate address setting is possible.

It is also possible to provide the following means for the case where the input is incorrect when inputting numbers.
When an address is input, the apparatus has means for determining whether or not an address corresponding to the address exists based on an address database in the map database. And means for deleting the display of the nonexistent portion of the address. As a result, the part that is considered to be the closest to the address setting intended by the driver will be set,
The destination can be set with relatively high accuracy without any trouble. For example, if “1-2-3” is input and the “Done” switch is operated, “1-2” exists, but if “1-2-3” does not exist, “1-2” exists.
-"Is displayed. This has the effect that the driver can recognize up to which of the input addresses the correct input was made. Further, if the driver has a means for returning to the screen as shown in FIG. 8, the driver may try to input only the wrong part again, or the operator may accept low accuracy and select "Complete". It also has the effect of being able to.

The switching from the list format to the numeric key format is performed by installing a control program recorded on a recording medium into the navigation ECU 10 and
This can be realized by the CPU of the navigation ECU 10 sequentially executing this control program. The basic algorithm of the control program accepts an address input request from the user, displays the character part of the address, that is, the name of the prefecture or city, in a list format on the display, and then displays the numeric keypad on the display to receive the door number. That is.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the numeric part of the address can be entered in the numeric keypad format, the address can be entered quickly and easily.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an address input screen of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an address input screen of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of an address input screen of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) of an address input screen of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 5) of an address input screen of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 6) of an address input screen of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view (No. 7) of an address input screen of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 navigation ECU, 12 map database, 14 operation unit, 16 display, 18 speaker, 20 position detecting device, 30 numeric keypad.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A navigation device having an address input function, comprising: first input means for inputting a character string portion of an address in a list format; second input means for inputting a numeric portion of the address in a numeric keypad format; A navigation device comprising: 2. A medium for recording a control program for executing an address input function in navigation, the program causing a computer to display a list of character portions of an address on a display device in a list format, A recording medium characterized by displaying a portion on the display device in a numeric keypad format.