JP2000304558A - Navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow easy guiding by forming a 3-dimension guide image for a place which requires detailed guide, and hanging an image of an object which obstructs view of a course in a space so that the course is visible. SOLUTION: A micro computer 11 searches for a course from a car position to a destination based on the signal representing an destination which is inputted through a button 19a. When a car starts, a current car position is acquired based on the signal from a car-speed sensor 12, gyro sensor 13, and GPS receiver 14, and whether a point which requires detailed guide such as an intersection for changing a travel direction is approaching or not is judged. When a guiding point is approached, a 3-dimension guide image which shows a detailed intersection district is formed and the presence of an object which obstructs the view of a course is judged. If judged as an object is present, the image of the object is hung in a space, which is displayed on a display 19b. Thus, the image of an object which obstructs the view of a course is raised into a space for a course to be visible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation system, and more particularly, to a navigation system capable of providing a driver with easy-to-understand guidance at a point where guidance is to be provided in a detailed manner, such as an intersection for changing a driving direction. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a navigation system, various devices have been devised so that a driver can be guided in an easy-to-understand manner at a point such as an intersection where the traveling direction needs to be changed. Generally, a method of enlarging and showing a two-dimensional map near an intersection is adopted.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B,
Intersection 1 is shown in a three-dimensional image, and road 2 is running.
There is a display that provides a route guide 4a, 4b to a road 3 that is a route from a vehicle to a road near an intersection that the driver actually sees with the naked eye. However, FIG.
In the display of only the road as shown in FIG. 7, the difference from the actual scenery is large, and it is difficult to quickly and accurately grasp the situation of the intersection 1.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, as a landmark related to the intersection 1, a building 5, which serves as a landmark, is extracted from road map data stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Also proposed is one that extracts intersection 6 and displays buildings 5 and 6 as a three-dimensional image in accordance with the display of the road so that intersection 1 can be guided in a state where it can be actually seen with the naked eye. Have been.

[0005]

As described above, if the route guidance at the intersection 1 is performed using a three-dimensional image including the buildings 5 and 6, the driver can quickly check the situation at the intersection 1. It is thought that it is possible.

[0008] However, as shown in FIG. 18, the presence of the building 5 on the near side of the road 3 may cause the road 3 to be obstructed and become invisible. Such a display is closer to the state of the intersection that the driver actually sees with the naked eye,
When trying to change the traveling direction from the traveling road 2 to the road 3 to be the route according to the route guidance 4a, 4b, there is a possibility that the situation of the road 3 to be the route is not accurately grasped, so that anxiety may remain. There is.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B,
When the lower road 7 is the course at a grade separation,
The lower road 7 serving as the course is obstructed by the upper road 8 and cannot be seen, so that the situation of the road (lower road) 7 serving as the course can be accurately grasped as in the case shown in FIG. There is a problem that can not be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a navigation system capable of providing a driver with more easy-to-understand guidance at a point where guidance is to be provided in particular, such as an intersection for changing the traveling direction. It aims to provide a system.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a navigation system (1) according to the present invention is a navigation system that provides route guidance to a destination. In particular, for a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, a first guide image forming unit that forms a three-dimensional guide image, and a guide image that is formed by the first guide image forming unit, When there is an obstacle to be cut, an image of the obstacle is changed to a state of being suspended in the air so that the course can be seen.
And an image changing means.

According to the navigation system (1), when a three-dimensional guidance image is displayed for a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, such as an intersection where the traveling direction is changed, an obstacle that makes the course invisible is used. For example, an image of a building on the near side of the course or an upper road at an overpass,
Since the state is changed to a state of being suspended in the air so that the path can be seen, the visibility of the path can be easily provided. For example, even if it is an intersection that passes for the first time, the course after the change of the traveling direction can be grasped in advance through the image, so that the direction can be changed with ease.

[0011] Further, the obstacle such as a building on the front side of the path is not erased but is merely changed to a state of being suspended, so that the obstacle serves as a mark. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm the intersection at which the course should be changed, and also to easily acquire the situation after the course is changed, by the presence of a building or the like serving as a landmark.

A navigation system (2) according to the present invention is a navigation system that provides route guidance to a destination. In a navigation system that changes the traveling direction, a point to which guidance is to be provided in particular, such as an intersection, is three-dimensionally. A first guide image forming means for forming a guide image, and when there is an obstruction obstructing the course in the guide images formed by the first guide image forming means, the image of the obstruction is
And a second image changing means for changing the state of the vehicle so that it is sunk in the ground so that the path can be seen.

According to the navigation system (2), when displaying the three-dimensional guide image, the image of the obstruction that makes the course invisible is sunk into the ground so that the course can be seen. Since the change is made, the prospect of the course can be easily provided.

[0014] Further, instead of making the obstruction such as a building or the like on the front side of the path completely sunk in the ground,
By leaving the ground even a little, the barrier can serve as a mark.

In the navigation system (3) according to the present invention, in the navigation system (1) or (2), the image of the obstacle is in a state of being suspended in the air or the image of the obstacle is underground. When the state is completely sunk, the obstacle trace display means for displaying an image showing the trace of the obstacle is provided.

According to the navigation system (3), the trace of the obstacle such as a building on the front side of the course is displayed, so that the obstacle is suspended in the air or completely submerged in the ground. Even if it is in the state of being in the state, the original position of the blocking object can be clearly recognized.

Further, the navigation system (4) according to the present invention provides a three-dimensional navigation system for guiding a route to a destination. A first guide image forming unit for forming a guide image, and a guide image formed by the first guide image forming unit. And a first erasing means for erasing at least a portion blocking the path.

According to the navigation system (4), at the time of displaying the three-dimensional guide image, at least a portion that obstructs the course is erased in the display of the obstacle that makes the course invisible. You can easily see the course outlook.

Further, the above-mentioned obstacle such as a building on the front side of the course is not completely erased, but is only partially erased, so that the obstacle serves as a mark. Can be done.

Further, the navigation system (5) according to the present invention provides a three-dimensional navigation system for guiding a route to a destination. First guide image forming means for forming a guide image, and when there is an obstacle in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means that makes the course invisible, the image of the obstacle is deleted. And a mark display means for displaying an image mark of the obstacle at a position where the obstacle was present.

According to the navigation system (5), when displaying the three-dimensional guide image, the display of the obstacle that makes the course invisible is deleted, so that the view of the course can be easily provided. .

Further, since the obstruction such as a building on the front side of the path is erased, an image mark of the obstruction is displayed at a position where the obstruction was present.
The image mark can serve as a mark.

Further, the navigation system (6) according to the present invention provides a three-dimensional navigation system for guiding a route to a destination, particularly for a point where guidance is to be provided in detail, such as an intersection for changing the traveling direction. A first guide image forming means for forming a guide image; and a guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, wherein there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible. A third erasing means for erasing the image of the obstacle based on a distance to a point where the course is blocked, and a distance calculating means for calculating the distance are provided.

Further, the navigation system (7) according to the present invention provides a three-dimensional navigation system for providing a route guidance to a destination, particularly for a point where guidance is to be provided in detail, such as an intersection for changing the traveling direction. When there is a first guide image forming means for forming a guide image and an obstacle in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means which makes the course invisible, the own vehicle blocks the course. A fourth erasing means for erasing the image of the obstacle based on an arrival time until reaching the designated point, and an arrival time calculating means for calculating the arrival time.

Further, in the navigation system (8) according to the present invention, in the navigation system (6) or (7), the third erasing means or the fourth erasing means may display an image of the obstruction, It is characterized by gradually disappearing based on the distance or the arrival time.

Further, in the navigation system (9) according to the present invention, in the navigation system (6) or (7), the third erasing means or the fourth erasing means may be arranged so that the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. Alternatively, when the arrival time becomes equal to or shorter than a predetermined time, the image of the blocking object is erased.

The above navigation system (6)
According to any one of (9), when displaying the three-dimensional guide image, the distance from the current position of the own vehicle to the point where the course is interrupted, or the arrival until the own vehicle reaches the point. Since the image of the obstruction that makes the course invisible is erased based on the time, the distance to the point, the time, and the like can be grasped, and the prospect of the course can be given.

For example, as the vehicle approaches the point such as an intersection where the traveling direction is changed, the image of the obstacle gradually disappears, so that the distance and time to the point can be easily grasped. And the prospect of the course can be given.

When the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the point is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, or when the time required for the vehicle to reach the point is equal to or less than a predetermined time, the image of the obstacle is erased. Even so, the same effect can be obtained.

Further, the navigation system (10) according to the present invention comprises the above navigation systems (1) to (1).
(9) In any one of (9), a time information acquiring unit for acquiring time information, and a timing of changing or erasing the image of the obstacle is changed based on the time information acquired from the time information acquiring unit. And a first timing changing unit that performs the operation.

According to the navigation system (10), based on the time information (for example, information such as daytime / nighttime) acquired from the time information acquiring means, the image of the obstacle is obtained by the first timing changing means. Is changed or the timing of erasing is changed. For example, at night, it is more difficult to check the obstruction such as a landmark than at daytime, so at night, as much as possible, the timing of the image of the obstruction remains so that even at night, The obstruction can serve as a landmark.

The navigation system (11) according to the present invention comprises the above navigation systems (1) to (1).
(9) In any one of (9), a second timing changing means for changing a timing of changing or erasing an image of the obstacle based on whether a lamp such as a head lamp is turned on is provided. It is characterized by.

According to the navigation system (11), the second timing is determined based on whether or not a lamp such as a headlamp is on (when the lamp is on, it is regarded as night). The changing unit changes the timing of changing or deleting the image of the obstacle.
For example, at night, it is more difficult to check the obstacle such as a building as a landmark than at daytime. Therefore, when the lamp is ON (that is, at night), the timing at which the image of the obstacle remains as much as possible. By doing so, even at night, the barrier can serve as a mark.

A navigation system (12) according to the present invention is a navigation system that provides route guidance to a destination, such as an intersection for changing a driving direction.
In particular, for a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, a first guide image forming unit that forms a three-dimensional guide image, and a guide image that is formed by the first guide image forming unit, A first viewing angle changing unit that changes a viewing angle of the guide image based on a distance from a current vehicle position to a point where the path is interrupted,
And a distance calculating means for calculating the distance.

Further, the navigation system (13) according to the present invention provides a three-dimensional navigation system that provides guidance on a route to a destination, such as an intersection where the traveling direction needs to be changed, for guidance. When there is a first guide image forming means for forming a guide image and an obstacle in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means which makes the course invisible, the own vehicle blocks the course. A second viewing angle changing unit that changes a viewing angle of the guide image based on an arrival time until reaching the designated point; and an arrival time calculating unit that calculates the arrival time. And

[0036] In the navigation system (14) according to the present invention, in the navigation system (12) or (13), the first viewing angle changing means or the second viewing angle changing means may be arranged so that the distance or the second viewing angle is changed. It is characterized in that the viewing angle of the guide image is increased according to the arrival time.

Further, in the navigation system (15) according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned navigation system (12) or (13), the first viewing angle changing means or the second viewing angle changing means may be arranged so that the distance is smaller. Less than a predetermined distance,
Alternatively, when the arrival time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined time, the viewing angle of the guide image is changed so that the course can be seen.

The above navigation system (12)
According to any one of (15), when displaying the three-dimensional guide image, the distance from the current position of the own vehicle to the point where the path is interrupted, or the time until the own vehicle reaches the point. The viewing angle of the guide image is changed based on the arrival time so that the course can be seen. For example, as the vehicle approaches the point such as an intersection where the traveling direction is changed, the viewing angle of the guide image changes, and the image is finally viewed from the sky (see FIG. 12B). It is possible to grasp the distance and time to the vehicle, and to give a prospect of the course.

When the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the point is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, or when the time required for the vehicle to reach the point is equal to or less than a predetermined time, the guide image is viewed from above. You may make it become. Thereby, the distance to the point and the arrival time can be more easily grasped.

A navigation system (16) according to the present invention is a navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, such as an intersection for changing a traveling direction.
Two-dimensional or three-dimensional, especially for points where guidance should be provided in detail
There is a second guide image forming means for forming a two-dimensional guide image, and, in the guide images formed by the second guide image forming means, there are obstacles for obstructing the course, and furthermore, display of route guidance. When the vehicle overlaps with the obstacle, a route guidance display change unit that changes a portion of the route guidance display overlapping with the barrier to a different display from a non-overlapping portion. It is characterized by.

According to the navigation system (16), when the guidance image is displayed, a part of the route guidance display that overlaps the obstacle is distinguished from a part that does not overlap the obstacle. Is displayed, so that it is possible to easily confirm the intersection or the like where the course should be changed. Examples of other displays include a broken line display and a display in a color lighter than the overlapping portion.

[0042]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a navigation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the navigation system according to the embodiment (1). A vehicle speed sensor 12 for acquiring a traveling distance and a gyro sensor 13 for acquiring a traveling direction are connected to the microcomputer 11, and the microcomputer 11 determines a position of the vehicle based on the acquired traveling distance and the traveling direction. (Autonomous navigation).

The GPS receiver 14 receives a GPS signal from a satellite via an antenna 15 and is connected to the microcomputer 11 so that the microcomputer 11 determines the position of the vehicle based on the GPS signal. (GP
S navigation).

A CD storing electronic map data and the like
A CD drive 16 capable of taking in electronic map data and the like from a ROM 17 (DVD is also possible);
The microcomputer 11 matches the determined vehicle position with the electronic map data (performs a so-called map matching process) to display a map on which the vehicle position is accurately displayed on the display 19b. It has become.

A button S provided on the remote controller 18
The SW signal output from the W 18 a and the SW signal output from the button SW 19 a provided on the display device 19 are input to the microcomputer 11, and processing according to the SW signal is performed by the microcomputer 11. For example, when the microcomputer 11 captures the information of the moving destination from these SWs, the microcomputer 11 searches for an optimal route from the own vehicle position to the destination,
This is displayed on the display 19b together with the map as a guidance route.

As described above, in the navigation system,
A map is displayed on the display 19b, the destination entered by the user on the map, the route to the destination, the own vehicle position mark corresponding to the current position of the own vehicle, and the traveling locus of the own vehicle up to that time The user can obtain route information by sequentially referring to the display 19b, and can reach the destination by following the route information. It has become.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer 11 in the navigation system according to the embodiment (1), which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a signal indicating a moving destination input from the button SW19a is fetched (S1), and a route search from the own vehicle position to the destination is performed (S2). When the own vehicle starts running, the current position of the own vehicle is determined based on signals from the vehicle speed sensor 12, the gyro sensor 13, and the GPS receiver 14 (S3), and an intersection where the own vehicle changes the running direction is obtained. For example, it is determined whether the vehicle is approaching a point where guidance is to be performed in detail (hereinafter, also referred to as a guidance point) (S4).

If it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the guide point (here, intersection 1) up to a predetermined distance,
Three-dimensional guide image showing the vicinity of intersection 1 in detail (Fig. 1
8) (S5: corresponding to the operation of the first guide image forming means), and then, in the formed guide image, whether there is an obstacle that makes the course invisible exists, for example, It is determined whether or not a building exists in front of the road 3 as the course (S6).

If it is determined that the building 5 is in front of the road 3 to be the course, the image of the building 5 is changed to a state of being suspended in the air (see FIG. 3), and (S7: operation of the first image changing means) After that, the changed guide image is displayed on the display 19b.
(S8), and returns to S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no building 5 in front of the road 3 which is the course, the process skips S7 and moves to S8.

If it is determined in step S4 that the vehicle has not approached the intersection 1 by a predetermined distance, it is determined whether the vehicle has reached the destination (S9). If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the operation ends, while if it is determined that the operation has not been reached, the process returns to S3. FIG. 3 shows a display example when the image of the building 5 on the near side of the road 3 serving as the course is changed to a state of being suspended in the air.

According to the navigation system according to the embodiment (1), the intersection 1 for changing the traveling direction, etc.
In particular, when displaying a three-dimensional guide image for a point where guidance is to be provided in detail, the image of the building 5 that makes the road 3 serving as a path invisible is changed to a state of being suspended in the air. Can be easily turned on. For example, even if it is the intersection 1 that passes for the first time, since the road 3 that is the route after the change of the traveling direction can be grasped in advance through the image, the direction can be changed with confidence.

Also, since the building 5 on the front side of the course is not erased, but merely floated in the air,
The building 5 can serve as a landmark. Therefore, the presence of the building 5 as a landmark makes it possible to easily confirm the intersection 1 where the course should be changed, and also to easily obtain the situation after the course change.

Here, the image of the building 5 on the near side of the road 3, which is the course, is changed to a state of floating in the air.
It can be changed to a state of sinking in the ground. FIG. 4 (a)
Shows a display example when the building 5 sinks partway into the ground,
FIG. 4B shows a display example when the building 5 is completely submerged in the ground.

In the state where the image of the building 5 is floating in the air,
Alternatively, when the image of the building 5 is changed to a state completely sunk in the ground, the building trace 9 may be displayed on the surface of the ground as shown in FIGS. Thus, the original position of the building 5 can be clearly recognized.

Further, instead of changing the image of the building 5 to a state of being suspended in the air or a state of being sunk in the ground, as shown in FIG. May be deleted, and as shown in FIG. 7, the image mark 10 of the building 5 is located at the position where the building 5 was located.
(For example, a bank) may be displayed.

Next, a navigation system according to the embodiment (2) will be described. However, the system configuration diagram of the navigation system according to the embodiment (2) is the same as that of the navigation system shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted here.

The operation of the microcomputer 11 in the navigation system according to the embodiment (2) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a signal indicating a moving destination input from the button SW19a is fetched (S11), and a route search from the own vehicle position to the destination is performed (S12). When the vehicle starts running, the vehicle speed sensor 12 and the gyro sensor 1
3. Based on the signal from the GPS receiver 14 and the current position of the own vehicle (S13), approach a point (guide point) at which the vehicle should provide detailed guidance, such as an intersection where the vehicle changes the traveling direction. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S14).

If it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the guide point (here, intersection 1) up to a predetermined distance,
A three-dimensional guide image showing the intersection 1 in detail (FIG. 9
(See (a)) (S15: corresponds to the operation of the first guide image forming unit), and then, in the formed guide image,
Whether there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, for example,
It is determined whether or not a building exists in front of the road 3 as the course (S16).

If it is determined that the building 5 is located in front of the road 3 to be the course, the guide image (FIG. 9) in which the image of the building 5 is deleted
(See (b)) (S17), and then the guide image formed in S15 is displayed on the display 19b (S18).

Next, the vehicle speed sensor 12, the gyro sensor 1
3, a signal from the GPS receiver 14, and a CD-ROM
A distance s from the vehicle position to the intersection 1 is obtained based on the electronic map data and the like stored in the memory 17 (S19: corresponding to the operation of the distance calculating means), and whether or not the distance s is equal to or less than a predetermined distance s'. Is determined (S20).

If it is determined that the distance s is equal to or less than the predetermined distance s', the guide image formed in S17, that is, the building 5
The guide image from which the image has been deleted is displayed on the display 19b.
(S21), and returns to S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the distance s is not less than the predetermined distance s ′, the process returns to S19.

If it is determined in S16 that there is no building 5 in front of the road 3 which is the course, the guide image formed in S15 is displayed on the display 19b (S22), and S13 is performed.
Return to

If it is determined in S14 that the vehicle has not approached the intersection 1 to a predetermined distance, it is determined whether the vehicle has reached the destination (S2).
3) If it is determined that the vehicle has arrived, the above operation ends,
On the other hand, if it is determined that it has not reached, the process returns to S13. FIG. 9B shows a display example in a case where the image of the building 5 on the near side of the road 3 serving as the course is deleted.

According to the navigation system according to the embodiment (2), the intersection 1 for changing the traveling direction, etc.
In particular, when displaying a three-dimensional guidance image for a point where guidance is to be provided in detail, the image of the building 5 that makes the road 3 serving as the course invisible is displayed at a predetermined distance s from the current vehicle position to the intersection 1. When the distance is less than the distance s ′, the distance is erased, so that the distance to the intersection 1 can be easily grasped.
You can keep track of your course. For example, even if it is the intersection 1 that passes for the first time, since the road 3 that is the route after the change of the traveling direction can be grasped in advance through the image, the direction can be changed with confidence.

The image of the building 5 on the front side of the course is not deleted from the beginning, but is deleted only when the distance s to the intersection 1 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance s'. Can serve as a landmark. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm the intersection 1 where the course should be changed, and also to easily acquire the situation after the course is changed, due to the presence of the building 5 serving as a landmark.

Here, the distance s from the own vehicle to the intersection 1
When the distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance s ′, the image of the building 5 is deleted. However, when the time required for the vehicle to reach the intersection 1 becomes shorter than the predetermined time, the image of the building 5 is deleted. However, the same effect can be obtained. Note that the arrival time to the intersection 1 can be predicted based on the distance s, the vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle speed sensor 12, and the like.

When the distance s to the intersection 1 is equal to or less than the predetermined distance s' or the time required to reach the intersection 1 is equal to or less than the predetermined time, the image of the building 5 approaches the intersection 1 without being erased at once. Accordingly, the image of the building 5 may gradually disappear.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the navigation system according to the embodiment (3). Here, the same components as those of the navigation system shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a headlamp SW. The headlamp SW20 is connected to the microcomputer 11, and the microcomputer 11 turns on the headlamp SW20.
When a signal is obtained, the head lamp 21 is turned on.

The microcomputer 11 in the navigation system according to the embodiment (3) performs the same operation as the microcomputer 11 in the navigation system according to the embodiment (1) or (2) shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. Accordingly, guidance at a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, such as an intersection where the traveling direction is changed, can be more easily understood by the driver.

The microcomputer 11 has a headlamp SW2
When 0 is ON, it is considered that the vehicle is traveling at night, and the display time of the building 5 in front of the road 3 to be the course is longer than that during traveling in the daytime (when the headlamp SW 20 is OFF). The timing of changing or erasing the image of the building 5 is changed so as to be longer (corresponding to the operation of the second timing changing means).

According to the navigation system according to the embodiment (3), the building 5 is determined based on whether or not the headlamp SW 20 is turned on (when the lamp is turned on, it is regarded as night). The timing at which the image is changed or erased is changed.

For example, it is more difficult to check the landmark building 5 at night than during daytime, so the headlamp SW 20 is turned on.
In the case where it is performed (that is, at night), by setting the timing so that the image of the building 5 remains as much as possible, the building 5 can serve as a mark even at night. .

Here, the night / daytime headlamp SW
Although the determination is made based on ON / OFF of 20, the time information or the like included in the GPS signal may be used to determine the traveling time zone more accurately.

Next, a navigation system according to the embodiment (4) will be described. However, the system configuration diagram of the navigation system according to the embodiment (4) is the same as that of the navigation system shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted here.

The operation of the microcomputer 11 in the navigation system according to the embodiment (4) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a signal indicating the moving destination input from the button SW19a is fetched (S31), and a route search from the own vehicle position to the destination is performed (S32). When the vehicle starts running, the vehicle speed sensor 12 and the gyro sensor 1
3. Based on the signal from the GPS receiver 14 and the current position of the own vehicle (S33), approaching a point (guidance point) at which guidance should be provided in detail, such as an intersection where the own vehicle changes the traveling direction. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S34).

If it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the guide point (here, intersection 1) up to a predetermined distance,
A three-dimensional guidance image showing the intersection 1 in detail (FIG. 12
(See (a)) (S35: corresponding to the operation of the first guide image forming means), and then, in the formed guide image,
Whether there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, for example,
It is determined whether there is a building in front of the road 3 as the course (S36).

If it is determined that the building 5 is located in front of the road 3 as the course, a guide image with a changed viewing angle, here, a guide image viewed from the sky (a viewing angle of 90 degrees) (see FIG. 12B) Is formed (S37), and then the guide image formed in S35 is displayed on the display 19b (S3).
8).

Next, the vehicle speed sensor 12, the gyro sensor 1
3, a signal from the GPS receiver 14, and a CD-ROM
A distance s from the vehicle position to the intersection 1 is determined based on the electronic map data and the like stored in the storage unit 17 (S39: corresponding to the operation of the distance calculation unit), and whether or not the distance s is equal to or less than a predetermined distance s'. Is determined (S40).

If it is determined that the distance s is less than or equal to the predetermined distance s', the guide image formed in S37, that is, the guide image viewed from above is displayed on the display 19b (S4).
1) Return to S33. On the other hand, if it is determined that the distance s is not less than the predetermined distance s ′, the process returns to S39.

If it is determined in S36 that there is no building 5 in front of the road 3 which is the course, the guide image formed in S35 is displayed on the display 19b (S42), and S33 is performed.
Return to

If it is determined in step S34 that the vehicle has not approached the intersection 1 to a predetermined distance, it is determined whether the vehicle has reached the destination (S4).
3) If it is determined that the vehicle has arrived, the above operation ends,
On the other hand, if it is determined that it has not reached, the process returns to S33. FIG. 12B shows a display example of a guide image viewed from the sky.

According to the navigation system according to the embodiment (4), the intersection 1 for changing the traveling direction, etc.
In particular, when displaying a three-dimensional guidance image for a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, if the distance s from the vehicle to the intersection 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance s ′, the viewing angle (viewing angle from above: line of sight Guide image with changed angle to the ground)
Here, since the guide image viewed from the sky (see FIG. 12B) is displayed, the distance to the intersection 1 can be easily grasped, and the prospect of the course can be given. For example, even if it is the first intersection that passes,
Since the road 3 serving as the course after the change of the traveling direction can be grasped in advance through the image, the direction can be changed with ease.

The image of the building 5 on the front side of the course is not erased, but the distance s to the intersection 1 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance s ′, and the image is changed to an image viewed from the sky. Therefore, the building 5 can serve as a landmark. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm the intersection 1 where the course should be changed, and also to easily acquire the situation after the course is changed, due to the presence of the building 5 serving as a landmark.

Here, the distance s from the own vehicle to the intersection 1
Is smaller than or equal to a predetermined distance s ′, the view angle of the guide image is changed. However, if the time required for the vehicle to reach the intersection 1 becomes shorter than the predetermined time, the view angle of the guide image is changed. However, the same effect can be obtained. In addition,
The arrival time to the intersection 1 can be predicted based on the distance s, the vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle speed sensor 12, and the like.

When the distance s to the intersection 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance s ′ or the time required to reach the intersection 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined time, the guide image is not immediately viewed from the sky, The viewing angle may be gradually increased as approaching (for example, 15 degrees, 3 degrees)
0 degree, 90 degree).

In the navigation system according to any one of the above embodiments (1) to (4), only the case of the building 5 on the near side of the course is described as the obstruction that makes the course invisible. As another blocking object, an upper road at a grade separation point or the like is cited.

FIG. 13 shows a display example of a guide image in a case where an upper road above an overpass is used as a blocking object.
(A) is a display example in the case where the part that blocks the course floats in the air, and (b) is a display example in the case that the part that blocks the course sinks in the ground.

Next, a navigation system according to the embodiment (5) will be described. However, the system configuration diagram of the navigation system according to the embodiment (5) is the same as that of the navigation system shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted here.

The operation of the microcomputer 11 in the navigation system according to the embodiment (5) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a signal indicating the moving destination input from the button SW19a is fetched (S51), and a route search from the own vehicle position to the destination is performed (S52). When the vehicle starts running, the vehicle speed sensor 12 and the gyro sensor 1
3. Based on the signal from the GPS receiver 14 and the current position of the own vehicle (S53), approach a point (guide point) at which guidance should be provided in detail, such as an intersection where the own vehicle changes the traveling direction. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S54).

If it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the guide point (here, intersection 1) up to a predetermined distance,
A two-dimensional or three-dimensional guide image (see FIG. 18B) showing the intersection 1 in detail is formed (S55: corresponding to the operation of the second guide image forming means), and then formed. In the guide image, it is determined whether there is an obstacle that makes the course invisible, for example, whether there is a building in front of the road 3 that is the course (S56).

If it is determined that there is a building 5 in front of the road 3 to be the course, then it is determined whether or not there is a portion where the display of the route guide 4b overlaps the building 5 (S57). If it is determined that there is a part where the display 4b overlaps the building 5, the part of the display of the route guidance 4b is changed to a broken line display (see FIG. 15) (S58: The operation of the route guidance display changing means is performed). After that, a guidance image whose display of the route guidance 4b has been changed is displayed on the display 19b (S59), and the process returns to S53. On the other hand, there is no building 5 in front of the road 3 which is the course, or the display of the route guidance 4b is the building 5
If it is determined that there is no overlapping part, S58 is skipped and the process proceeds to S59.

If it is determined in step S54 that the vehicle has not approached the intersection 1 to a predetermined distance, it is determined whether the vehicle has reached the destination (S60). If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the operation ends, while if it is determined that the operation has not been reached, the process returns to S53. In FIG.
The display example when the route guidance 4b of the part which overlaps with the building 5 on the near side of the road 3 which becomes the course is changed to a broken line display is shown.

According to the navigation system according to the embodiment (5), the intersection 1 for changing the traveling direction, etc.
Two-dimensional or three-dimensional, especially for points where guidance should be provided in detail
When displaying a two-dimensional guidance image, of the route guidance 4b,
Since a portion overlapping with the building 5 is changed to a broken line display so as to be distinguished from a portion not overlapping, the intersection or the like where the course should be changed can be easily confirmed.

Further, in the route guidance 4b, the portion overlapping the building 5 is not changed to a dashed line so as to be distinguished from the other portions, but is changed to a lighter color than the display of the other portions. The same effect can be obtained.

Here, only the case of the building 5 on the near side of the course is described as an obstruction that makes the course invisible, but other obstructions include an upper road or the like at an overpass. Can be FIG. 16 shows a display example of a guide image in a case where a road above an overpass is set as a blocking object, wherein (a) is a two-dimensional guide image,
(B) is a three-dimensional guide image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a navigation system according to Embodiment (1) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of a microcomputer in the navigation system according to the embodiment (1).

FIG. 3 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (1).

FIG. 4 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (1).

FIG. 5 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (1).

FIG. 6 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (1).

FIG. 7 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (1).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the microcomputer in the navigation system according to the embodiment (2).

FIG. 9 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (2).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a navigation system according to Embodiment (3).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of the microcomputer in the navigation system according to the embodiment (4).

FIG. 12 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (4).

FIG. 13 is a display example of a guidance image in a case where a road above an overpass is set as a blocking object.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer in the navigation system according to the embodiment (5).

FIG. 15 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (5).

FIG. 16 is a display example of a guidance image by the navigation system according to the embodiment (5).

FIG. 17 is a display example of a three-dimensional guidance image of an intersection according to the related art.

FIG. 18 is a display example of a three-dimensional guidance image of an intersection according to the related art.

FIG. 19A is a display example of a two-dimensional guidance image of a three-dimensional intersection according to the related art, and FIG. 19B is a display example of a three-dimensional guidance image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Intersection 2 Running road 3 Road which becomes course 4a, 4b Route guidance 5, 6 Building 9 Building trace

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Akira Kusakari 1-2-28 Goshodori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo F-term in Fujitsu Ten Limited (reference) 2C032 HB06 HC21 HC23 HC27 HD16 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB09 AB13 AC02 AC04 AC06 AC08 AC09 AC13 AC14 5H180 AA01 BB13 BB15 FF04 FF05 FF22 FF24 FF27 FF32 FF38 9A001 BB01 BB02 BB03 BB04 CC05 DD13 GG06 HH24 HH28 HH29 HH34 JJ77 JJ78 KK37

Claims (16)

[Claims] In a navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, a first guidance image formation for forming a three-dimensional guidance image for a point to which guidance is to be performed particularly in detail, such as an intersection for changing a traveling direction. Means, when there is an obstruction obstructing the course in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, the image of the obstruction is suspended in the air so that the course can be seen. A first image changing means for changing to a state; 2. A navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, wherein a first guidance image formation is performed to form a three-dimensional guidance image for a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, such as an intersection where the traveling direction is changed. Means, and when there is an obstruction obstructing the course in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, the image of the obstruction is submerged in the ground so that the course can be seen. And a second image changing means for changing the state of the vehicle to a navigation state. 3. The image of the obstacle is suspended in the air,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a block mark display unit configured to display an image indicating the block mark when the image of the block is completely sunk in the ground. Item 3. The navigation system according to item 2. 4. In a navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, a first guidance image formation for forming a three-dimensional guidance image for a point where guidance is to be performed particularly in detail, such as an intersection where a traveling direction is changed. And a guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, when there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, a part of the image of the obstruction that erases at least a part that obstructs the course. A navigation system, comprising: a first erasing unit. 5. A navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, wherein a first guidance image formation for forming a three-dimensional guidance image for a point where guidance is to be performed particularly in detail, such as an intersection where the traveling direction is changed. A second erasing means for erasing an image of the obstruction when there is an obstruction obstructing the course in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means; And a mark display means for displaying an image mark of the obstacle at a position where the vehicle was located. 6. A first guidance image formation for forming a three-dimensional guidance image for a point to be guided in detail, such as an intersection for changing a traveling direction, in a navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination. Means, and a guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, when there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, based on the distance from the current vehicle position to the point where the course was interrupted. A third erasing means for erasing the image of the obstruction; and a distance calculating means for calculating the distance. 7. A navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, wherein a first guidance image formation for forming a three-dimensional guidance image for a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, such as an intersection for changing the traveling direction. Means, in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, when there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, the time required for the vehicle to reach the point where the course was interrupted is A navigation system, comprising: fourth erasing means for erasing the image of the obstacle based on the information; and arrival time calculating means for calculating the arrival time. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the third erasing unit or the fourth erasing unit gradually erases the image of the obstacle based on the distance or the arrival time. The navigation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein 9. The method according to claim 9, wherein the third erasing means or the fourth erasing means erases the image of the obstacle when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance or the arrival time is equal to or less than a predetermined time. The navigation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: 10. A time information obtaining means for obtaining time information, and a first time for changing or erasing the image of the obstacle based on the time information obtained from the time information obtaining means. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising timing changing means. 11. A method according to claim 1, further comprising a second timing changing unit configured to change a timing of changing or erasing the image of the obstacle based on whether a lamp such as a head lamp is turned on. The navigation system according to claim 1. 12. A navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, wherein a first guidance image formation for forming a three-dimensional guidance image for a point where guidance is to be performed particularly in detail, such as an intersection where a traveling direction is changed. Means, and a guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, when there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, based on the distance from the current vehicle position to the point where the course was interrupted. A navigation system comprising: a first viewing angle changing unit that changes a viewing angle of the guide image; and a distance calculating unit that calculates the distance. 13. A first guidance image formation for forming a three-dimensional guidance image for a point to be guided, such as an intersection where the traveling direction needs to be changed, in a navigation system for performing route guidance to a destination. Means, in the guide image formed by the first guide image forming means, when there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, the time required for the vehicle to reach the point where the course was interrupted is A navigation system comprising: a second viewing angle changing unit that changes a viewing angle of the guide image based on the guidance image; and an arrival time calculation unit that calculates the arrival time. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first viewing angle changing unit or the second viewing angle changing unit increases a viewing angle of the guide image according to the distance or the arrival time. The navigation system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein 15. The first viewing angle changing means or the second viewing angle changing means, wherein, when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance or when the arrival time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, the path can be seen. 14. The navigation system according to claim 12, wherein a viewing angle of the guide image is changed. 16. A navigation system for providing route guidance to a destination, wherein a two-dimensional or three-dimensional guidance image is formed for a point where guidance is to be performed in detail, such as an intersection for changing the traveling direction. A guide image forming means, and a guide image formed by the second guide image forming means, wherein there is an obstruction that makes the course invisible, and furthermore, when a route guidance display overlaps the obstruction, A navigation system comprising: a route guidance display change unit that changes a portion of the route guidance display overlapping with the obstacle to a different display from a non-overlapping portion.