JP2001027537A - Search method for destination and navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time required for searching a destination and to effectively use hardware such as an image display system or the like, by a method wherein route search destination information which uses character information, position information and the like and image information which is related to the information are displayed simultaneously on a display part and the destination is searched. SOLUTION: Character information and image information which are used to search a destination are stored in an information storage device 6 in a table form together with destination position information, destination attribute information and the like. When a CPU 1 instructs a system controller 2 to search a route, an I/F circuit 5 controls the information storage device 6. Image data as well as the character information and the position information such as a name or the like stored so as to be related to the image information are read out, and they are stored in a DRAM 3. he CPU 1 reads out data in the DRAM 3 so as to be processed, and the data is plotted on a frame buffer. Then a display control operation is performed by a display control device 7, and the image information and the character information are overlayed so as to be displayed on a display part 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a destination search method applicable to a car navigation device and the like, and a navigation device using the same. Specifically, in order to search for a route to a destination (departure or destination), not only text and location information but also image information related to the destination is used, and a route search is performed from both information. By doing so, it is possible to indicate the destination quickly and accurately.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional navigation device, for example, a car navigation device for a vehicle, a large number of list menus are stored. A route is searched for, and the map information is displayed on a display unit such as an LCD. Therefore, the route search destination may be the departure place (search start place) in addition to the arrival place.

[0003] The destination is usually specified using character information. For example, character information such as a place name, a region name, a building name or a store name of a destination is searched. If there is no destination, the corresponding destination is searched while scrolling. For this destination search, search instruction means such as a cursor forward button is used. Then, when the route search destination is searched based on the displayed character information, a route search start instruction is issued to the position represented by the position information associated with the name, so that the current position to the destination can be determined. A search for a route or a search for a departure place is automatically performed, and necessary map information is displayed on a display unit.

[0004]

As described above, in the conventional car navigation system, in most cases, the destination search depends on the character information displayed on the display unit.

[0005] However, in the search using only character information as described above, recognition and identification of a search destination are limited due to the small amount of information of characters, and a quick search (speedy search) and an accurate search are not necessarily performed. It is hard to say that it has been achieved. In addition, because the information is character information, it takes a long time to recognize it, and it is impossible to search for a destination instantly.

Of course, this type of car navigation system has a display unit for displaying images and the like, but in the case of a menu such as a destination search, images other than characters (such as background images) are displayed. Since the search is performed using only ignored characters, it cannot be said that the existing hardware (image display system) is fully utilized.

Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem. In particular, a destination search and designation is performed by using both image information and character information, so that a search for a destination can be performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a destination search method and a navigation device that reduce the time and make effective use of hardware such as an image display system.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a destination search method according to the present invention, wherein when a route search is instructed, a route using characters or position information is used. The route search destination information indicating the search destination and the image information indicating the route search destination associated with the route search destination information are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, and the route search destination information and the image information are displayed. A search from the current position to the destination or a search for a search start point is started by terminating the route search destination search and issuing a search start instruction. And

Further, in the navigation apparatus according to the present invention, the route search destination information indicating the route search destination using characters, position information and the like is associated with the route search destination information. Means for storing image information indicating the route search destination, search instructing means for the route search destination information, and when the route search destination is searched based on the image information, And a destination search instruction means for starting a route search to the searched destination.

According to the present invention, a destination is searched using not only character information but also image information related to the destination. In other words, a plurality of candidate destinations that can be searched for on the menu screen are displayed on the display unit by images and characters. The operator performs destination search and designation using the image and the character.

When both an image and a character are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, the destination is first unconsciously recognized by the image, and the final confirmation that the image is the original destination is made by the character. Is a cognitive step. Image recognition is much faster and more accurate than text-only recognition.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a destination search method according to the present invention and a navigation apparatus using the destination search method will be described with reference to the drawings in a case where the present invention is applied to the above-described car navigation apparatus. This will be described in detail. In a car navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, an image, character information represented by a person or a shop name related to the image, and attribute information such as position information thereof (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as character information). ) Are stored in association with each other.

When searching for a route from the current position to the destination by searching for the destination, the destination search is performed in addition to the character information relating to the destination and the above-described image information associated with the destination. This is performed using Therefore, both the image information and the character information associated with the destination are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, and the operator starts the search mainly on the image information, if anything, between the image information and the character information. . In the embodiment described below, a case will be described in which a search and a route search are performed with an arrival point as a destination. However, the same applies to a case in which a search is performed with a departure point as a destination and a route search is performed. .

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a car navigation device 10 according to the present invention. The data is processed from a position detection device 20 and the like, which will be described later, including a CP # 1 that controls the entire device, and the data is transmitted to a CPU 1. A system controller 2 for transferring, a plurality of drawing planes for drawing map information and the like, a memory means 3 such as a DRAM functioning as a working memory for processing the drawing data, a memory means such as a flash ROM storing various control programs 4. An information storage device 6 in which map information, destination search character information, image information, and the like are recorded.
(I / F) for connecting the CPU to the CPU 1
A circuit 5, a display unit (monitor) 8 using an LCD or the like, and a display control circuit 7 thereof are provided.

Further, the car navigation device 10 is provided with a position detecting device 20 for knowing a current position. As is well known, the position detection device 20 is a global positioning system that obtains latitude and longitude information of a current position.
S (Global Positioning System) device 21, vehicle speed pulse detecting means 22 for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and gyro sensor 23 for detecting the rotation direction (traveling direction) of the vehicle
It consists of.

The car navigation device 10 is provided with an external input device 30 for giving an instruction such as a destination search. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a remote control device as shown in FIG. 2 is used as the external input device 30, and a main body of the remote control device 30 is provided with a plurality of operation keys. An operation key 32 used as search instruction means and an operation key 33 used as determination instruction means for determining a search result are provided therein.

As the operation keys 32, a jog dial with push input, a page feed button, and the like can be used. In the example of FIG. 3, a jog dial with push input is used. In the case of a jog dial with push input, the push operation is a search decision instruction operation,
A search instruction and a determination instruction can be performed with a single dial, and one operation key 33 can be omitted. When both the search instruction and the determination instruction are performed with a single operation key, the operability of the key is improved.

A medium that can be used as the information storage device 6 shown in FIG. 1 is a digital video disk (DVD).
Disks and other hard disks can be used. The information storage device 6 includes character information used when performing a destination search including map information,
Image information related to the destination is stored in association with each other.

Next, the relationship between character information and image information used in a destination search or the like will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when text information such as "Omotesando", "Rainbow Bridge", and "Tokyo Tower" is stored as a destination, it is conventional to search for a destination such as Tokyo Tower using only this text information. This is the method that has been used since.

According to the present invention, images related to the respective destinations, particularly, natural images actually photographed, are stored in association with the character information and the position information. In the example above, "Omotesando"
As shown in FIG. 4A, the main street image (still image) of Omotesando is associated with the character information of FIG. 4A. Similarly, the image of Rainbow Bridge is associated with “Rainbow Bridge” (see FIG. 4B), and with “Tokyo Tower”. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4C, the image of Tokyo Tower is associated and stored.

When a destination search is instructed by the operation key 32 and the first read destination character information and image information are "Omotesando", as shown in FIG. Are displayed on the display unit 8 at the same time. If it is different from the destination, the next destination is designated by the operation key 32, whereby the character information and the image information as shown in FIG. 4B are displayed on the display screen.
By dialing, the character information and image information shown in FIG. 4C as the next search destination are displayed. When Tokyo Tower is the destination, the operation key 32 is pushed in the display state of FIG. 4C. By pressing the operation key 32, a search for a route from the current position to the destination is started as shown in FIG. 4D.

Here, the operator first senses the most visually appealing information on the display screen displayed on the display unit 8. Usually, image information is better than text information.
The speed of judging whether the sensed content is correct or different is much faster with image information. Therefore, a search using image information can significantly reduce the time required to search for a destination and reduce errors in search results, as compared to a search using only text information. This is because when judging a destination from image information, the probability of making a mistake in the destination is almost equal to nothing. It is often experienced that in the case of character information, misreading is likely to occur frequently.

The above-described character information and image information for searching for a destination can be stored in the information storage device 6 in the form of a table as shown in FIG. In this example, image information (image data) and character information (character data)
In addition, destination position information (latitude x and longitude y values) and destination attribute information (for example, when the search purpose is a person, the title of a company, etc.) are tabulated and stored. . The table in FIG. 5 shows a case where image information related to a destination is stored as first information, and character information and the like are tabulated as information accompanying the information.

FIG. 6 shows another example of storage. In the image information, an image identification code (image ID) and its corresponding address are stored in a table and stored.
Information related to D (actual data such as character information and position information) is stored in the same table, and the image information itself is stored in another area of the same information storage device 6 or in another storage medium such as the flash ROM 4. May be stored at the address specified by the address.

In the car navigation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, when the CP # 1 gives an instruction to read data to the system controller 2 based on an instruction from the external input device 30, the I / F circuit 5 stores information. By controlling the device 6, the corresponding data is read out and stored in the DRAM 3.

The CPU 1 reads out the data on the DRAM 3 and performs processing necessary for image display (data expansion processing, error correction processing, etc.). If the data is map data, the CPU 1 prepares a map surface prepared in the DRAM 3. Draw on the frame buffer (drawing plane, the same applies hereinafter). When image data (natural image) used for a destination search or the like is read, the image data is drawn in a frame buffer for a natural screen. DRAM3 for character data
Draw in the graphics frame buffer. The display control circuit 7 controls the display of the plurality of drawing surfaces, and the retrieved information is displayed on the display unit 8.

For example, when the image is data for displaying a map, the CPU 1 calculates the current position based on the data obtained from the position detecting device 20, and displays necessary map data. The map data is displayed while being sequentially updated. At the time of a destination search, the corresponding image information and character information are overlaid and displayed on the display unit 8.

Therefore, when performing a route search, the CP
When U1 gives an instruction for a route search to the system controller 2, the I / F circuit 5 controls the information storage device 6 to store image data and character information such as a name stored in association with the image data. And the position information are read out and stored in the DRAM 3. CPU1 is this DRAM
3 is read out, subjected to necessary processing as described above, and then rendered in the corresponding frame buffer. The display control circuit 7 performs display control for displaying a plurality of drawing surfaces, and the image information and the character information are overlaid and displayed on the display unit 8.

When the operator (user) operates the operation key 32 for instructing a search, the CPU 1 designates a new read address to the information storage device 6. As a result, the related data group such as image data and character data to be read is also updated, so that the screen display is updated in accordance with the operation of the operation key 32.

When the operator continuously operates the operation keys 32, the updated image data and character data are displayed on the display unit 8 each time the key is operated (see FIG. 4). When the operator pushes the operation key 32 at a stage where the operator has searched for an object (image or character) as a destination of the route search, the CPU 1 automatically transitions to the route search mode. Therefore, CP # 1 regards the position information on the map obtained when the image data and the character data are read as the destination of the route search, and starts the route search from the current position.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the above-described search and search processing. In FIG. 7, step S100 is a route search destination input standby state. In this standby state, when a page feed instruction is given by the operation keys 32 such as a jog dial (step S10).
1) Update the read address in the information storage device 6 (step S102), read the image data and the character information and position information stored in association with the image data, and display the read image information and character information on the display unit 8. It is displayed (step S103).

Displayed image or character (name, etc.)
Is used as a determination material for a destination search, and when it is recognized as a route search destination (name, place, area, etc.), a determination instruction is issued using the operation keys 33 (step S104). When the destination is determined, the CP # 1 starts the route search process using the current position as the search start point and the destination as the search end point (step S105). When the search to the destination is completed, route guidance is performed based on the route search result (step S106).

In the above embodiment, the operation keys 32, 33
Is set on the remote control device 30, but the display unit 8 may be provided with these operation keys 32 and 33. In this case, the operation key 3 is provided on a part of the side of the display unit 8.
Providing 2 and 33 improves operability and is convenient. Also in this case, if a jog dial with push is used as the operation key, one operation key 32 can also serve as the operation key 33, which is convenient. of course,
A page forward button may be used as search instruction means, and a decision button may be used as the decision instruction means.
The external input device 30 is not limited to a remote control device.

As image information related to character information, a natural image is most preferable, but illustrated image information may be used. Alternatively, a computer graphics image in which the background is somewhat laid out may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a car navigation device. However, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited to a vehicle-mounted navigation device but can be applied to a ship navigation device, a pedestrian navigation device, and the like.

[0036]

As described above, in the destination searching method and the navigation apparatus according to the present invention, the image information used for the destination search and the character information including the name of the person / store etc. Search for a destination from any information by associating attribute information such as position information with each other, and simultaneously displaying image information and character information on the display unit during processing such as destination search during route search In addition to being able to determine, a route search to the destination can be executed immediately after the destination is determined.

As described above, when a target destination is searched from candidate destinations using both image information and attribute information, particularly character information, only character information such as a name is displayed.
Since the amount of information contributing to the determination is increased as compared with the case where the destination is searched only based on the character information, there is an effect that the route search destination (the destination to which the driver will drive) is easily recognized and specified.

Since image information is information that can be instantly recognized by humans, even if images are updated and displayed one after another using a jog dial or the like, a target image can be found instantaneously. Since the image information with a high recognition speed can be used in this way, the time required to determine the destination can be greatly reduced. That is, since the destination can be determined from the image of the face of the person or the appearance of the store, the destination can be determined more quickly than the process of recognizing and determining characters, and as a result, the search efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, even in the case of a destination search, since the hardware of the navigation device that handles image information can be sufficiently utilized, the hardware can be effectively used. Therefore, the present invention is extremely suitable for application to a navigation device such as a car navigation device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a main part showing an embodiment when a navigation device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a remote control device.

FIG. 3 is a side view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a destination search example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing table contents indicating a relationship between image information and attribute information (part 1).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing table contents indicating a relationship between image information and attribute information (part 2).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment for searching for a destination.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... car navigation device, 1 ... CPU,
3 memory means, 8 display unit, 6 information storage device, 20 position detection device, 30 external input means, 32, 33 operation keys

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 27, 2000 (2009.2)
7)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a destination search method applicable to a car navigation device and the like, and a navigation device using the same. For more information, to search for, such as the route to the destination (departure and arrival),
By using not only characters and position information but also image information related to the destination and performing a route search from both information, it is possible to quickly and accurately specify a destination and the like. .

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0007] Therefore, the invention was to solve such conventional problems, by performing a destination search specified in particular uses both image information and character information, until the search for such a destination The present invention proposes a destination search method and a navigation device that reduce the time of the above and effectively utilize hardware such as an image display system.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a destination search method according to the present invention, wherein when a route search is instructed, a route using characters or position information is used. The route search destination information indicating the search destination and the image information indicating the route search destination associated with the route search destination information are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, and the route search destination information and the image information are displayed. From the current position to the destination or search and determination of a search start point, and a route search.
It is characterized in that search and determination of a route and a destination and a route search between both points are started.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the car navigation device 10 is provided with a position detecting device 20 for knowing a current position. As is well known, the position detection device 20 is a global positioning system that obtains latitude and longitude information of a current position.
S (G l obal Positioning System) device 21, a vehicle speed pulse detector 22 and the car in the rotation direction (traveling direction) gyro sensor 23 for detecting for detecting a running speed of the vehicle
It consists of.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0038

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Since image information is information that can be instantly recognized by humans, even if images are updated and displayed one after another using a jog dial or the like, a target image can be found instantaneously. Since the image information with a high recognition speed can be used in this way, the time required to determine the destination can be greatly reduced. That is, since the destination can be determined from the image of the face of the person or the appearance of the store, the destination can be determined more quickly than the process of recognizing and determining characters, and as a result, the search efficiency can be improved. Since further possible Ha Douea be fully utilized in a navigation device that handles image information, even if the destination search, with features such as it is possible to effectively utilize the hardware. Therefore, the present invention is extremely suitable for application to a navigation device such as a car navigation device.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. When a route search is instructed, route search destination information indicating a route search destination using characters, position information, and the like, and the route search destination associated with the route search destination information are stored. By simultaneously displaying the image information shown on the display unit, searching for a destination from the route search destination information and the image information, terminating the route search destination search, and instructing a search start, the current position is obtained. From the above to the destination,
Alternatively, a search for a route search start point is started. 2. A navigation device, comprising: route search destination information indicating a route search destination using characters, position information, and the like; and image information indicating the route search destination associated with the route search destination information. Means for searching for the route search destination information; and when searching for the route search destination based on the image information, starting a route search from a current position to the designated search destination. And a destination search instruction means. 3. The navigation device according to claim 2, wherein the route search destination information is attribute information represented by characters or position information of a person or a shop represented by the image information. 4. The navigation device according to claim 2, wherein the image information is a building, a landscape, a portrait, or the like that briefly represents the destination. 5. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said search instruction means also serves as decision instruction means for instructing a search decision. 6. The navigation device according to claim 2, wherein the search instruction means is provided on a remote control device or a display unit. 7. The navigation device according to claim 5, wherein the search instruction means also serving as the determination instruction means is a jog dial with push input or a rotary page feed button.