JP2001272243A - Route guidance device and method and recording medium in which software for route guidance is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a route guidance technique capable of setting guidance modes in detail. SOLUTION: A route-computing part 11 computes a route to a given destination, on the basis of previously prepared data. A guidance part 12 performs guidance, based on the computed route at least through speech guidance. The amount of the speech guidance is changed by a part 13 for changing the amount of speech guidance. The type of the guidance is selected from among both images and speech, images only, and speech only by a type-selecting part 14. The amount of guidance information by images is changed by a part 15 for changing the amount of image guidance. An automatic switching part 16 automatically switches among switch items to be selected from at least either the amount of speech guidance or guidance type, when previously selected switch conditions are satisfied. At least either the switch items or switch conditions are selected by an automatic switching setting part 17. Whether the automatic switching is performed is selected by an automatic on/off switching part 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a technique of route guidance for performing route guidance in a moving body, and more particularly, to a method for setting a mode of guidance in detail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of computer technology,
2. Description of the Related Art Route guidance technology for mobile objects such as automobiles has become widespread. For example, a route guidance device calculates and sets an optimal route to a given destination based on data such as roads recorded on a CD-ROM or the like, and sequentially determines the position of the vehicle by GPS navigation or autonomous navigation. While the calculation is being performed, a map display around the position of the own vehicle, a right / left turn along the route, and the like are displayed on a screen or guided by synthetic voice.

[0003]

However, in the prior art relating to route guidance as described above, the mode of guidance is fixed to either an image, a combination of an image and a voice, or only a voice. It has not been possible to make detailed settings such as switching between these modes according to preference. In particular, in the guidance using only the image or the combination of the image and the voice, the voice is not used or is merely an auxiliary one, and the driver has to be conscious of the image to some extent, and is forced to move his / her gaze. There were cases. In addition, in the case of voice-only guidance, if the voice guidance is missed due to noise, conversation, or the like, there is a possibility that the vehicle may fail to turn left or right.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object the purpose of a route guidance technique capable of setting the mode of guidance in detail, that is, a route guidance device and method, and a route guidance method. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium on which guidance software is recorded.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for calculating a route to a given destination based on data prepared in advance, and a calculated route. And a means for providing at least a voice guidance based on the voice guidance, wherein a means for changing an amount of the voice guidance is provided. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which a route to a given destination is calculated based on data prepared in advance.
Performing a guidance based on the calculated route at least by voice guidance, comprising the step of changing the amount of voice guidance. The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claims 1 and 6
Of the invention from the viewpoint of a machine-readable recording medium on which computer software is recorded. In a recording medium recording route guidance software for performing route guidance of a moving object using a computer, the software is The computer is caused to calculate a route to a given destination based on data prepared in advance, to make a guidance based on the calculated route at least by voice guidance, and to accept a change in the amount of the voice guidance. It is characterized by the following. According to the present invention, it is possible for a user to finely select an optimal route guidance method, that is, a guidance mode, as appropriate according to circumstances and preferences, and it is possible to contribute not only to accurate guidance but also to safe driving. In particular, Claims 1, 6, 11
According to the invention, since the amount of voice guidance can be changed, it is possible to use route guidance according to the situation or preference. For example, if the amount of voice guidance is set to a small value, guidance is provided only for intersections, and if the amount is set to a large value, guidance is provided for even closer buildings. The “amount” of the voice guidance includes both an information amount such as a large number of guidance items and a small amount and a physical “amount” such as a volume.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the route guidance apparatus according to the first aspect, there is provided means for selecting the type of the guidance from both an image and a voice, only an image, and only a voice. It is characterized by the following. The invention of claim 7 is
In the route guidance method according to the sixth aspect, the type of the guidance is selected from both an image and a voice, only an image, and only a voice. It is characterized by including the step of. According to the second and seventh aspects of the present invention, the type of guidance can be switched as appropriate between the user and the image, voice, or a combination thereof, so that route guidance can be used according to the situation or preference. It is also easier to eliminate movement and improve driving safety. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the route guidance device according to the second aspect, a means for changing an amount of guidance by the image is provided.
The invention of claim 8 captures the invention of claim 2 from the viewpoint of a method, wherein the route guidance method according to claim 7 includes a step of changing an amount of guidance by the image. I do. According to the third and eighth aspects of the present invention, the amount of images can be changed according to the situation and the preference, so that the usability of route guidance is improved and the driving safety is further improved. The “amount” of the image is both the amount of information such as the type of road to be displayed on the map, the type of facility to be displayed and the amount of point names, and the physical “amount” such as the brightness of the map display screen. including.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the route guidance apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, a switching item selected from at least one of the voice guidance amount and the guidance type is set in advance. A switching unit is provided when the selected switching condition is satisfied, and a unit for selecting at least one of the switching item and the switching condition is provided. The invention of claim 9 is
The invention of claim 4 is grasped from the viewpoint of a method, wherein the route guidance method according to any one of claims 6 to 8 is selected from at least one of the amount of voice guidance and the type of guidance. The method includes a step of switching a switching item when a switching condition selected in advance is satisfied, and a step of selecting at least one of the switching item and the switching condition. According to the fourth and ninth aspects of the present invention, the amount of voice guidance and the type of guidance selected as switching items can be automatically switched according to switching conditions selected in advance.
It is possible to set the guidance mode more finely according to the situation and preference.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the route guidance apparatus according to the fourth aspect, further comprising means for selecting whether or not to perform the switching. Claim 10
The invention of (5) captures the invention of (5) from the viewpoint of a method, and is characterized in that, in the route guidance method of (9), a step for selecting whether to perform the switching is provided. According to the fifth and tenth aspects of the present invention, since the automatic switching can be turned on and off, it is possible to set the guidance mode more finely according to the situation and preference.

[0009]

Next, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the portion related to information processing in the present embodiment is typically realized by controlling a computer with software. The software in this case realizes the operation and effect of the present invention by physically utilizing the hardware of the computer, and the conventional technology is applied to the common parts with the conventional technology. However, in this case, since the types and configurations of hardware and software, the range of processing by software, and the like can be variously changed, a virtual circuit block that realizes each function of the present invention and the embodiment will be used in the following description. .

[1. Configuration] In the present embodiment, a route guidance device (also called a car navigation system)
The description focuses on the process of route guidance by voice and image and the configuration therefor, and can be understood as a recording medium on which a route guidance method and route guidance software are recorded.

First, as shown in the overall configuration diagram of FIG. 1, the car navigation system according to the present embodiment includes a keyboard 4 for inputting operations and the like, a display device 5 using an LCD or the like, and a voice reading device using synthesized voice. 6, a CD-ROM drive 7 for reading road data and the like, a gyro sensor and a vehicle speed pulse sensor sensor 8 for autonomous navigation
, A GPS receiver 9 for GPS navigation, and an IC 10 for peripheral device interface.

Here, a database is recorded on the CD-ROM set in the CD-ROM drive 7, and this database includes, for example, map screen data, position (coordinate) data, landmark data, road information data, and routes. Guidance voice data and the like are recorded. Each of these data is recorded in a state of being linked to each other, and each data has a hierarchical structure or header information, thereby making it possible to prioritize and rank when searching.

For this reason, for example, it is possible to narrow down according to search conditions such as whether detailed data is required or rough data is sufficient. For example, important targets are rated high,
When a small target is given a low rating, only high-ranked data needs to be searched and read when guiding only important targets, and low-rated data when guiding to a fine target. It is sufficient to read up to.

In this embodiment, the CPU 1, the program ROM 2, and the work RAM 3 play a role of an information processing section as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. The information processing unit shown in FIG. 2 includes a route calculation unit 11, a guidance unit 12, a voice guidance amount changing unit 13, a type selection unit 14, and an image guidance amount changing unit 15.
Automatic switching unit 16 and automatic switching setting unit 17
And an automatic switching ON / OFF unit 18.

The route calculator 11 is a means for calculating a route to a given destination based on data prepared in advance. The guidance unit 12 is a unit that performs guidance based on the calculated route by one or both of voice guidance using synthetic voice and guidance using images according to the setting. The voice guidance amount changing unit 13 is means for changing the voice guidance amount.

The type selecting section 14 is a means for selecting the type of the guide from both an image (hereinafter also referred to as a "map") and a voice, only an image, and only a voice. The guidance amount changing unit 15 is means for changing the amount of guidance by the image.

The automatic switching section 16 switches a switching item selected from at least one of the voice guidance amount and the guidance type when a preselected switching condition is satisfied (automatic switching and automatic switching). Call)
The automatic switching setting unit 17 is a unit for selecting at least one of the switching item and the switching condition. The automatic switching ON / OFF unit 18 is means for selecting whether or not to perform the automatic switching.

[2. Operation] In the present embodiment configured as described above, the user can finely set the mode of route guidance on the menu screen illustrated in FIG. That is, in the example of FIG. 3, first, the mode of “map and voice”, “map only”, and “voice only” can be selected as the type of route guidance by the operation of the type selection unit 14. Specifically, in the “current mode” area at the top of FIG. 3, the buttons B1 and B corresponding to each of these modes are displayed.
When one of the buttons 2 and 3 is pressed, the corresponding mode is selected, and the button is highlighted.

The information amount of voice guidance can be selected from “increase” (details), “normal” or “decrease” in the selection field S1 of FIG. Further, the information amount of the guidance by the image can be selected from “increase” (details), “normal” or “decrease” in the selection field S2 of FIG. Similarly, the update interval of the information related to the guidance, such as how much the distance to the right / left turn point changes, is selected from “frequent”, “normal”, and “reduced” in the selection field S4 of FIG. it can.

In the automatic switching by the automatic switching unit 16, the switching condition, the switching item, and the automatic switching are determined by the operation of the automatic switching setting unit 17 and the automatic switching ON / OFF unit 18. Whether to do or not (ON / OFF) can be selected.

Specifically, for example, in the selection field S3 of FIG. 3, whether or not to automatically switch, and the mode before or after the automatic switching are selected from "map and voice", "map only", and the like.

When the automatic switching is performed, the distance to the destination is selected as a switching condition from "1 Km" or "500 m" in the selection field S5, and the operation at the time of switching is performed in the selection field S6. That is, the user selects “increase the amount of audio information”, “enlarges the map”, or the like as a switching item. In addition, as another example of the switching item in this case, “forcibly display a map” may be considered.

Next, the procedure of the route guidance processing based on the above setting is shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when the current position of the vehicle acquired by the GSP navigation or the autonomous navigation (Step 1) is close to the destination (Step 2), and when the vehicle arrives at the destination, the guidance process is terminated (Step 3), but not so. In this case, it is checked whether the automatic switching mode is set, that is, whether the automatic switching is set to "ON" (step 4).

At this time, if the automatic switching mode is set, the current guidance setting is confirmed, and the guidance guidance mode is changed according to the switching item such as "increase the amount of voice information" selected in the selection field S6. Processing such as a database rating change is performed (step 5).

For example, when increasing the amount of voice information,
In the normal mode before the increase: Turn right at the intersection XX m ahead. Turn left at the next traffic light. Continue straight. Continue XX m to the destination. Only important matters such as left turn points are guided, while in the increase mode after the increase, for example: "Soon you will see the XXX gas station.""You will soon see the XX intersection.""Soon XX × You will see the pedestrian bridge. ”“ It's about to be a XX tollgate, please slow down. ”“ It's a XX one-way entrance soon. ”“ It's a XXX school zone, please go slowly. ” You will be guided to detailed targets and precautions such as "The railroad crossing is going to be completed soon. Please stop by all means."

[3. Effect) As described above, in the present embodiment, the user can finely select the optimal route guidance method, that is, the mode of guidance according to the situation and taste, and can contribute to safe driving as well as accurate guidance. It becomes possible. In particular, in the present embodiment, the amount of voice guidance can be changed by the operation of the voice guidance amount changing unit 13, so that route guidance can be used according to the situation and preference.

In this embodiment, the type of guidance is changed to image, voice, a combination thereof,
And the user can be appropriately switched, so that it is possible to use the route guidance according to the situation and the preference. For example, by not using the image, it is easy to eliminate the movement of the line of sight and improve the driving safety. Further, in the present embodiment, the amount of the image can be changed according to the situation and the preference by the operation of the image guidance amount changing unit 15, so that the usability of the route guidance is improved and the driving safety is further improved.

In the present embodiment, the automatic switching setting unit 1
According to the operation of 7, since the amount of voice guidance and the type of guidance selected as the switching item can be automatically switched according to the switching condition selected in advance, the guidance mode can be set more finely according to the situation and preference. It becomes possible.

In this embodiment, automatic switching ON / O
Since the automatic switching can be turned on and off by the operation of the FF section 18, it is possible to set the guidance mode more finely according to the situation and preference.

[4. Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but includes other embodiments as exemplified below. For example, as the items that can be set for the guidance mode, the following items can be considered in combination with each item described in the above embodiment or alone. For example, as the amount of the image, the type of road to be displayed on the map, the amount of information such as the type of facility to be displayed and the amount of point name may be changed, and further, as the amount of information in displaying an image such as a map, The screen brightness may be selected from “bright”, “normal”, “dim”, and the like.
Similarly, select the sound volume from "High", "Medium", and "Low", and as the condition for automatic switching, besides the distance to the daily location, whether the current road is a highway or an urban area Is also conceivable.

[0031]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a route guidance technology capable of setting the guidance mode in detail, that is, a route guidance device and method, and a recording medium on which route guidance software is recorded, so that usability of route guidance is improved and driving safety is further improved. I do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a route guidance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a display example of a guide mode setting screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for route guidance according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU 2 ... Program ROM 3 ... Work RAM 4 ... Keyboard 5 ... Display device 6 ... Speech-to-speech device 7 ... CD-ROM drive 8 ... Gyro sensor and vehicle speed pulse sensor 9 ... GPS receiver 10 ... Peripheral device interface IC Reference Signs List 11 Route calculation unit 12 Guide unit 13 Voice guidance amount changing unit 14 Type selection unit 15 Image guidance amount changing unit 16 Automatic switching unit 17 Automatic switching setting unit 18 Automatic switching ON / OFF unit S1 to S4 … Selection field

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Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A route guidance device comprising: means for calculating a route to a given destination based on data prepared in advance; and means for performing guidance based on the calculated route at least by voice guidance. 5. The route guidance device according to claim 1, further comprising a unit for changing an amount of the voice guidance. 2. The type of the guidance is set to both image and sound.
2. The route guidance device according to claim 1, further comprising means for selecting from only an image and only an audio. 3. The route guidance device according to claim 2, further comprising a unit for changing an amount of guidance by the image. 4. A means for switching a switching item selected from at least one of the amount of voice guidance or the type of guidance when a preselected switching condition is satisfied, and 4. A means for selecting at least one of: (a), (b) and (c).
The route guidance device according to any one of the above. 5. The route guidance device according to claim 4, further comprising means for selecting whether or not to perform the switching. 6. A route guidance method comprising: calculating a route to a given destination based on data prepared in advance; and performing at least voice guidance based on the calculated route. The route guidance method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of changing the amount of voice guidance. 7. The type of the guidance is set to both an image and a sound.
7. The route guidance method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of selecting one of an image only and an audio only. 8. The route guidance method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of changing an amount of guidance by the image. 9. A step of switching a switching item selected from at least one of the voice guidance amount and the guidance type when a switching condition selected in advance is satisfied; The route guidance method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising: selecting at least one. 10. The route guidance method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of selecting whether or not to perform the switching. 11. A recording medium recording route guidance software for performing route guidance of a moving object by using a computer, wherein the software converts the route to a given destination into data prepared in advance. A recording medium storing route guidance software, wherein the guidance is calculated based on the calculated route, the guidance based on the calculated route is performed at least by voice guidance, and a change in the amount of voice guidance is accepted.