JP2001141497A - Navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display the information suitable for an operator with a simple operation. SOLUTION: A navigation system 10 comprises a CPU 32 which runs the program stored in a ROM 44 to start a navigation. Under the instruction of the CPU 32, a map for a specified range is displayed on a display 16 and a message 'Please specify a range' is outputted from a speaker 48 as well as the display 16. When an operator specifies a range together with a voice input 'What can I find around here?', a reply like 'You can find xxxxx and *****around here' is returned under the instruction of the CPU 32. Then you are asked 'Have you been here?' if the operator replies 'Yes', the CPU 32 asks 'Do you go to xxxxx?'. If you replies 'No', the CPU 32 displays a detailed map for the specified range and asks 'Do you go to xxxxx?'.

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 that displays image information on a display and outputs character information for navigation from a display and / or a speaker.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional navigation system of this type is applied to a car navigation system (car navigation system) and the like. In a car navigation system, when an operator sets a destination in advance, a GPS (global positioning system) is used during traveling.
As a result, the current position of the car is detected, and a road map and an image of the car are displayed on a display of a car navigation system installed in the car. In addition, the distance to the destination and the like are displayed on the display, and the route guidance on the way is output from the speaker. In this way, guidance was provided to the destination.

[0003]

However, in this prior art, once a destination or the like is set, information fixedly determined according to the current position of the vehicle is output from a display and / or a speaker. However, in order to obtain desired information as appropriate, it is necessary to operate the car navigation system and make settings. In other words, the operation is troublesome, the driving is neglected, and the safety is lacking.

[0004] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system capable of presenting information suitable for an operator with a simple operation.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a navigation system for displaying image information on a display and outputting character information for navigation from a display and / or a speaker. One memory, a second memory for storing a plurality of pieces of character information, a first selecting means for selecting one piece of image information according to linguistic information input by a user, and a second means for selecting one piece of character information according to linguistic information A navigation system including a selection unit.

[0006]

In this navigation system, image information is displayed on a display, and character information for navigation is output from a display and / or a speaker. A plurality of image information is stored in the first memory, and the first selecting means selects one image information according to the language information input by the operator. Further, a plurality of character information is stored in the second memory, and the second selecting means selects one character information according to the language information input by the operator. Thus, image information and character information are selected according to the language information input by the operator.

For example, since language information is input by voice input means including a microphone or the like, it is simpler than manual operation.

Further, if the linguistic information is input by a manual input means such as a keyboard, detailed linguistic information can be input.

Further, since the image information includes at least two or more image files having different levels of detail, it is possible to present image information having different levels of detail in accordance with the language information of the operator.

Further, since the first display means displays the guidance agent on the display, it is possible to produce an effect as if the guidance agent is performing navigation.

Further, the second display means further displays the guided agent, that is, the agent corresponding to the operator, so that "over there", "over here", "over there" based on the positional relationship between the guided agent and the guided agent. , A place where information is desired to be received can be voice-inputted by designating words such as "behind" and "foreground".

[0012]

According to the present invention, since image information and character information for navigation are selected according to language information, information suitable for an operator can be presented by a simple operation.

The above objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a navigation system (hereinafter simply referred to as "system") 10 of this embodiment.
Includes a body 12 and a column 14 that supports it. A display 16, a keyboard 18, a voice input port 20, and a voice output port 22 are provided on a surface (upper surface) of the main body 12.

[0015] The system 10 is installed, for example, at a station in a tourist spot and navigates an operator. That is,
As shown in FIG. 2, the display 16 displays a map and characters for navigation. The operator operates the keyboard 18 provided in the system 10 according to the characters displayed on the display 16 and the voice emitted from the voice output port 22 to receive navigation. In addition, the display 1
When a question is asked through the voice input port 6 or the voice output port 22, when replying with a simple word such as "yes" or "no", the voice can be input via the voice input port 20. Further, since “yes” and “no” are displayed on the display 16, the input may be performed by operating keys (not shown) provided on the keyboard 18, and the display surface of the display 16 may be touched. May be entered.

FIG. 3 shows an electrical internal configuration of the system 10. The system 10 includes a computer 30, and the computer 30 includes a CPU 32. CPU3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a speech synthesis circuit 36, an image generation circuit 38, and a speech recognition circuit 4 included in the computer 30 via the bus 34.
0, RAM 42 and ROM 44. Also,
The system 10 includes the display 16 and the keyboard 18 described above, as well as a microphone 46 and a speaker 48. That is, the display 16 is connected to the image generation circuit 38 via an interface (I / F) not shown. The keyboard 18 is connected to the CPU 32 via an I / F (not shown). Further, the microphone 46 is connected to a voice recognition circuit 40 via an I / F (not shown).
Connected to. Furthermore, the speaker 48 has an I / F
(Not shown) connected to the speech synthesis circuit 36.

The voice synthesis circuit 36 outputs a navigation voice from a speaker 48 based on the voice synthesis data read from the RAM 42 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 32. Therefore, the voice of the navigation is sound output port 2
2 and is heard by an operator present in the vicinity of the system 10.

The image generating circuit 38 outputs map data for navigation read from the RAM 42 to the display 16 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 32. Also,
The image generation circuit 38 is provided in the RAM
The character data for navigation read from 42 is output to the display 16. Therefore, the display 16 displays characters for a map and navigation.

The voice recognition circuit 40 recognizes the voice of the operator input through the microphone 46, and specifies the recognized word by referring to the voice recognition data (voice recognition data) held in the RAM 42. CPU3
Inform 2 That is, the speech recognition circuit 40 refers to the speech recognition data to recognize the input word by, for example, the DP matching method. HMM (Hidden Markov)
model: a hidden Markov model) may be used to recognize the input words.

The ROM 44 has memory areas 44a to 44e.
And a program for navigation is stored in the memory area 44a. Also, memory area 4
4b stores, for example, three image files.
Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the three image files are hierarchized according to the level of detail of the map, and each image file includes a plurality of map data. Therefore, maps with different levels of detail can be presented according to the operator's request. In this embodiment, three image files are stored, but at least two image files may be stored. Further, three or more image files can be stored, and the degree of detail can be finely divided.

Further, a character file including a plurality of character data for navigation is stored in the memory area 44c. The plurality of character data are data for actively asking a question to the operator and data for responding to words (language information) input by the operator. Furthermore, in the memory area 44d,
A speech synthesis file including a plurality of speech synthesis data corresponding to character data is stored. Therefore, the character data can be displayed on the display 16 and the character data can be output by voice. Note that the voice output from the speaker 48 may be either a female voice or a male voice, and two voice synthesis files corresponding to both voices are stored and used depending on the gender of the operator. Is also good. In the memory area 44e,
The above-described voice recognition data is stored. The voice recognition data is data for recognizing words input by the operator, and data for a plurality of words issued by a plurality of young and old is stored in advance.

In this embodiment, the computer 30
Although various data are stored in the ROM 44 provided inside the HDD, the data may be stored in an external storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

For example, in the system 10, when an operator operates a return key (not shown) provided on the keyboard 18, navigation is started according to a navigation program stored in a memory area 44a of the ROM 44. Then, an initial screen is displayed on a portion of the display 16 where characters are displayed. Also, the ROM 44
A character file for navigation is read from the memory area 44c of the RAM 42 and written into the working area 42c of the RAM 42. Further, the speech synthesis file stored in the memory area 44d of the ROM 44 is read and written in the working area 42d of the RAM 42. Furthermore, the voice recognition data stored in the memory area 44e of the ROM 44 is read and written into the working area 44e of the RAM 42.

On the initial screen, items for inputting a region, a destination, and the like for which navigation is desired are sequentially displayed. Also, "Please enter."
Such a message may be output from the speaker 48.

Therefore, the operator inputs a region, a destination, and the like by voice through the microphone 46. When the input is completed, the area, the destination, and the like are temporarily stored in the working area 42a of the RAM 42 according to the instruction of the CPU 32. The CPU 32 refers to an area, a destination, and the like in the working area 42a, and outputs map data corresponding to the area to the RO.
Read from the memory area 44b of the M44 and the RAM 42
Is written in the working area 42b. Subsequently, the map data written in the working area 42b is
The instruction is given to the image generation circuit 38 in accordance with the instruction of 32, and the map is displayed on the display 16. For example, FIG.
A map (designated area) including the entire area input on the initial screen as shown in (B) is displayed on the display 16.

The CPU 32 stores character data for navigation in the working area 42c of the RAM 42.
And supplies the image data to the image generation circuit 38. Therefore, characters such as "Please specify a range" are displayed on the display 16. That is, the designated area and characters for navigation are displayed on the display 16.

Further, the CPU 32 reads out the voice synthesis data corresponding to “Specify a range.” From the working area 42 d of the RAM 42, and
Give to. Therefore, the voice “Please specify the range.” Is output from the speaker 48.

In response, the operator moves a mouse pointer (not shown) using, for example, a touch pad (not shown) provided on keyboard 18 to designate a range. Specifically, move the mouse pointer to approximately the center of the range you want to specify, and press the enter key (not shown).
A predetermined frame as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed. Note that the range can be changed by dragging.

When the designation of the range is completed and the operator voice-inputs (question) "What is in this area?"
In response to this, the CPU 32 selects the character data and the corresponding voice synthesis data, and replies, for example, "This side has XX or に は.""?"

In response to this, if the operator replies "Yes", that is, if the operator has come to the designated range, the CPU 32 selects the character data and the corresponding voice synthesis data and, for example, selects "O". Do you go to ○? " Here, the operator says "Yes"
The CPU 32 controls the image generation circuit 38 to light the road on the map where the distance from the provided position to ○ is the shortest, and also displays the character data and the corresponding voice Select the synthesized data, display characters such as "Please follow this road.", And output by voice. In this way, the operator is navigated.

On the other hand, if the operator replies "No", that is, if the operator has not come to the specified range, C
The PU 32 reads an image file with a high degree of detail from the memory area 44 b of the ROM 44 and writes the read image file into the working area 42 b of the RAM 42. Therefore, the designated area is displayed in detail as shown in FIG. Also, CPU
32 selects character data and corresponding speech synthesis data, and asks, for example, "Would you like to go to $?" If the operator replies "No", the CPU 32 selects the character data and the voice data corresponding to the character data, and asks "Would you like to go to XX?" Here, the operator says "Yes"
, The navigation as described above is executed. On the other hand, if "No" is replied, the image file having the normal (medium) detail level stored in the memory area 44b of the ROM 44 is read out again and written into the working area 42b of the RAM 42. Therefore, the map of the designated range as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed again. Also, CPU
Reference numeral 32 selects character data and voice synthesis data corresponding to the character data, and outputs a message "Specify a range."

If the operator wants to know information about the area around the area entered by the operator on the initial screen, the operator inputs, for example, "I want to see the surroundings."
The PU 32 reads an image file with a low degree of detail from the memory area 44b of the ROM 44, and writes the read image file into the working area 42b of the RAM 42. Therefore, a map (surrounding map) including the designated area and its surroundings as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed. The CPU 32 selects character data and speech synthesis data, and asks "Where do you want to look?"
Or output a message such as "Specify the range."

As described above, a map to be displayed and characters for navigation can be selected and presented according to the language information input by the operator.

In this embodiment, the operator inputs "yes", "no", questions, and the like by voice, but may input by contact (hand). That is, more detailed information can be input by inputting with a key (not shown) provided on the keyboard 18 or inputting with a touch panel (not shown).

Further, if the words recognized by the voice recognition circuit 40 are displayed on the display 16 so as to be checked by the operator, an input error can be prevented.

Further, if the guide agent A is displayed on the display 16 by computer graphics (CG) instead of the mouse pointer, it is possible to produce an effect as if the guide agent A is navigating.

The system 10 of another embodiment shown in FIG.
Except that the guidance agent A and the guided agent B are displayed on the display 16 and the navigation is executed, the description is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and the description of the duplicated portions will be omitted.

That is, the ROM 44 is further provided with memory areas 44f and 44g.
In f, character data for displaying the guidance agent A on the display 16 by the CG method is stored. In the memory area 44g, the guided agent B, that is, the agent corresponding to the operator is CG
The character data to be displayed on the display 16 is stored by the above method.

In the system 10 of the other embodiment, when navigation is started and information such as a region and a destination is input on the initial screen, as in the above-described embodiment, FIG.
A map of the designated area as shown in (B) is displayed. In FIG. 7, a map as shown in FIG. 5 is omitted for easy understanding of the agent. Also, RO
M44 memory area 44f and memory area 44g
The character data corresponding to the guidance agent A and the guided agent B stored in the RAM 32 are read out according to the instruction of the CPU 32, and written into the corresponding working areas 44f and 44g of the RAM 42, respectively. Subsequently, character data corresponding to the guidance agent A and the guided agent B is CP
The data is read from the RAM 42 according to the instruction of U32, and supplied to the image generation circuit 38. Therefore, two agents are displayed on the map.

The operator feels that the guidance agent A displayed on the display 16 is uttering information and performing navigation. Further, since the guided agent B, which is his / her alter ego, is displayed on the map, the operator responds to the question from the guidance agent A as if it exists on the map, and conversely, Ask simple questions.

As described above, in the other embodiment, since the guide agent A and the guided agent B are displayed on the map, simple instruction words (“that”, “this”, "Over,""over," and "foreground" can be used to specify a range or obtain information. That is, FIGS. 8A and 8B
As shown in FIG. 7, since the instruction word is different between the case where the guidance agent A is the main agent and the case where the guided agent B is the main agent, the CPU 32 uses the instruction word in accordance with each area indicated by the solid line and the dotted line. Selects a word spoken by the guidance agent A. Further, the operator, as the guided agent B, inputs a question or a reply by using a designated word depending on each area. In addition, also in FIG.
A map as shown in FIG. 5 is omitted for easy understanding of agents and the like.

Specifically, when the operator asks "What is there over there?", The CPU responds accordingly.
Numeral 32 selects a word uttered by the guidance agent A, that is, selects character data and voice synthesis data, and replies, "I have XX here.", And then, "Have you ever come here?" Ask questions.

Here, when the operator replies, "I have been there."
2 selects character data and speech synthesis data, and the guidance agent A asks a question such as "Are you going to XX?" Here, when the operator replies “yes”, the CP
U32 executes the navigation as described in the embodiment of FIG.

On the other hand, if the operator replies, "I have not been there," the CPU 32 responds accordingly.
Reads an image file with a high degree of detail stored in the memory area 44b of the ROM 44 and writes it in the working area 42b of the RAM 42. Therefore, a detailed map of the place where the guidance agent A exists as shown in FIG. 7C is displayed. Further, the CPU 32 selects the character data and the speech synthesis data, and the guidance agent A determines ““ ”.
Are you going to ○ Here, if the operator replies "No", a map of the designated range as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed again according to the instruction of the CPU 32. For example, "Where is that? Or is it over? And so on.

In response to this, when the operator inputs "that way.", The CPU 32 selects character data and speech synthesis data, and the guidance agent A sends "There are @ and □□ over there." Reply.

When the operator wants to see the periphery of the designated range as shown in FIG. 7A, the operator may input "I want to see the periphery" as in the embodiment of FIG.

According to these embodiments, the system actively asks a question to the operator and changes the image data and character data to be presented according to the language information input by the operator. Suitable information can be presented.

In this embodiment, the case where the system is applied to a navigation system at a tourist spot has been described, but the present invention is also applied to so-called car navigation, in-store navigation, theme park navigation, navigation for online chat, and the like. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a display shown in FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing an electric internal configuration of the system shown in FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing map data stored in a memory area of a ROM shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing a display example of a map shown on the display shown in FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing an electrical internal configuration of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

7 is an illustrative view showing a display example of a map and an agent shown on the display shown in the embodiment in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing a designation word used according to each area of the display shown in FIG. 6 embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 navigation system 16 display 18 keyboard 30 computer 32 CPU 36 voice synthesis circuit 38 image generation circuit 40 voice recognition circuit 42 RAM 44 ROM 46 microphone 48 speaker

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI FI Theme Court II (Reference) // G01S 5/14 (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Katagiri Kyoto Prefecture F-term (reference) in the Intelligent Imaging Communications Research Laboratory 2C032 HC08 HC16 HC31 HD03 2F029 AA02 AB07 AB13 AC02 AC09 AC16 AC18 5D015 HH08 HH23 KK02 KK04 LL06 5H180 AA01 BB13 CC12 EE01 FF05 FF22 FF25 H0505B06

Claims (6)

[Claims] An image information is displayed on a display, and character information for navigation is displayed on the display and / or the display.
Or a navigation system that outputs from a speaker, a first memory that stores a plurality of the image information, a second memory that stores a plurality of the character information, and one piece of the image information according to language information input by the user. And a second selection unit that selects one piece of the character information according to the language information. 2. The navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising voice input means for inputting said language information. 3. The navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising manual input means for inputting said language information. 4. The image information according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of image information includes at least two or more image files having different levels of detail.
The navigation system according to any one of the above. 5. The navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising a first display means for displaying a guidance agent emitting said character information on said display. 6. The navigation system according to claim 5, further comprising second display means for displaying a guided agent corresponding to said operator on said display.