JP2001330451A - Map display and automobile navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a map display and an automobile navigation system which enable users to intuitively grasp information by synthesizing and displaying various kinds of information changing in real time onto maps. SOLUTION: In this map display, a communication part 7 receives various kinds of information from an external system, and a map data-synthesizing part 4 synthesizes an object representing various kinds of information in a map data space on the basis of map data stored in a map data-storing part 3, information from the communication part 7 and an input part 2 and corresponding object model presentation information stored in an object model presentation information-storing part 6. A display device 5 displays synthesized map information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a map display device and a navigation device, and more particularly, to analyzing information inputted from outside via a communication unit, converting the information into an object in a map, and synthesizing it. The present invention relates to a map display device and a navigation device for displaying.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional map display devices and navigation devices display traffic information and road regulation information from an existing information communication system or information flowing from the Internet on a screen different from a map display screen. That is, the conventional map display device and navigation device are:
This information is not converted into an object in the map and displayed in a composite manner.

Here, as an existing information communication system, VICS (Vehicle Information) is used.
n and Communication System
There is an information communication system for transmitting road information, such as traffic congestion information and accident information, referred to as m) in real time using FM multiplex broadcasting, radio beacons, optical beacons, and the like.

The congestion information transmitted in such an existing information communication system specifically includes a link number of a congested road and the like. Therefore, conventional navigation devices generally use such traffic congestion information,
Expressed on a simple map that is schematically represented, and displayed on a screen different from the map screen for navigation.

[0005] Further, even when traffic congestion information is displayed on the same screen, the conventional navigation device does not convert the traffic congestion information into an object in a map and synthesizes and displays it. Only the color of the road corresponding to the link number is changed and displayed. The reason that the conventional navigation apparatus changes and displays only the color in this way is that the object generated in the existing system is fixed. Therefore, in order for the conventional navigation device to display the traffic jam information without generating a new object, there is only a method of changing the color.

Some recent navigation devices have an Internet browser added to display information from the Internet on a screen different from the map screen. In such a device, a car or a person isolated from external information is connected to the outside via the Internet by a built-in communication system.

The configuration and operation of the above-described conventional map display device and conventional navigation device will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42. FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional map display device. 41, a conventional map display device includes an input unit 2, a map data storage unit 3, a map data creation unit 400, a display 5,
And a communication unit 7.

The input unit 2 is used for selecting functions, setting points, and the like in the map display device. The instruction information output from the input unit 2 is transmitted to the map data creation unit 400
Is input to

The map data storage unit 3 stores two-dimensional map data or three-dimensional map data such as terrain, intersections and road connection states, and their coordinates, shapes, attributes, and regulation information. The map data stored in the map data storage unit 3 is appropriately read and used by the map data creation unit 400.

The communication unit 7 transmits and receives information to and from a communication system provided outside. For transmission and reception with an external system, for example, a telephone line or DAB (Digital Au)
(Dio Broadcast), digital terrestrial broadcasting, and the like. Various information obtained from the communication unit 7
It is input to the display 5 without being processed as it is.

The map data creation section 400 creates a map based on the map data stored in the map data storage section 3. The display 5 displays the map created by the map data creation unit 400. In addition, the display 5 displays the Internet or VICS on a screen different from the map.
The information obtained from the above is displayed. Typically, the display 5
Displays information obtained on an Internet browser or a dedicated VICS screen.

Next, FIG. 42 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional navigation device as described above. In addition,
Here, it is assumed that the present navigation device is mounted on a vehicle. 42, the conventional navigation device includes an input unit 2, a position detection unit 9, a map data storage unit 3, a route selection unit 100, a guidance unit 110, a communication unit 7, and a display unit 5. .

The input unit 2 is operated by the user to select a function (change processing items, switch maps, change hierarchy, etc.).
It is used for setting a point and the like. This input part 2
Is output to the route selection unit 100. The position detector 9 detects the current position of the vehicle. Then, the current position information of the vehicle output from the position detection unit 9 is input to the route selection unit 100 and the guidance unit 110.

The map data storage unit 3 stores two-dimensional map data or three-dimensional map data such as terrain, intersections, road connection conditions, coordinates, shapes, attributes, and regulation information. The map data stored in the map data storage unit 3 is appropriately read and used by the route selection unit 100 and the guidance unit 110.

The communication section 7 transmits and receives various information from an external system such as the Internet. For transmission and reception with an external system, for example, a telephone line, DAB, terrestrial digital broadcasting, or the like is used. The various information obtained from the communication unit 7 is input to the display 5 without being processed.

The route selection section 100 reads map data in a required range from the map data storage section 3 according to the instruction of the instruction information input from the input section 2. Then, the route selection unit 100 determines a departure place and a destination based on the instruction information such as the point information input from the input unit 2 and the current position information of the vehicle input from the position detection unit 9, Search for the least cost route from the starting point to the destination. The route information output from the route selection unit 100 is input to the guidance unit 110.

The guiding section 110 is based on the route information input from the route selecting section 100, the vehicle position information input from the position detecting section 9, and the map data input from the map data storage section 3. Generate a map screen of a three-dimensional or three-dimensional landscape. The generated two-dimensional or three-dimensional map screen is input to the display 5.

The display 5 displays the map screen generated by the guidance unit 110. The display 5 displays information obtained from the Internet, VICS, or the like on a screen different from the map screen. Typically, the display 5 is
The obtained information is displayed on an Internet browser or a dedicated VICS screen.

According to such a map display device and a navigation device, the user can easily obtain the latest information from outside, for example, traffic information and parking lot information. Therefore, such a conventional map display device or navigation device can make the user grasp various kinds of information of the destination as accurately as possible.

[0020]

However, in the conventional navigation device, the Internet browser is basically displayed on a screen different from the map screen. Also, VI
Similarly, traffic congestion information by CS is generally displayed on a simple map on a separate screen. Therefore, the user needs to move his / her gaze to compare, refer to, and associate necessary information with the displayed information.
However, when the user performs such an association, it is preferable to temporarily stop the vehicle. Therefore, there is a problem that the advantages of the navigation device as described above cannot be sufficiently exhibited while the vehicle is traveling. This is the same whether the present navigation device is mounted on a moving object other than a vehicle or whether the present device is carried by a pedestrian.

However, in the conventional navigation apparatus, the display of various kinds of information without generating a new object on the navigation screen is performed except when the display color of a road or the like is changed as described above. ,
Extremely difficult.

Here, all data including an image and three-dimensional polygon data necessary for generating a new object are received via a communication means having a built-in map display device and a navigation device. It is also conceivable to have a configuration in which a composite display is made above. However, according to such a configuration of the map display device and the navigation device, the amount of information to be transmitted and received increases, which is not economical.

On the other hand, a configuration is also conceivable in which the map display device and the navigation device previously hold data for generating all objects corresponding to various types of information. However, according to such a configuration of the map display device and the navigation device, the capacity of a storage medium provided for storing an object becomes extremely large,
There is still a problem that it is not economical.

[0024] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to combine and display real-time changing regulatory information, traffic congestion information, or various information flowing from the Internet on a map,
An object of the present invention is to provide a map display device and a navigation device that allow a user to more intuitively grasp information without moving his / her gaze.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a map display device and a navigation device which can reduce the capacity of a storage medium for storing an object while transmitting and receiving a small amount of information. is there.

[0026]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A first invention is a map display device for synthesizing and displaying communication information transmitted from outside the device as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. An input unit for inputting an instruction from the user, a map data storage unit for storing map information in advance, and an object model presentation information storage unit for storing object model presentation information for presenting an object on a map. A communication unit for receiving the communication information, a map data synthesis unit for generating an object by interpreting the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information input from the object model presentation information storage unit, and synthesizing the object on a map, A display unit for displaying to the user the map screen synthesized by the data synthesis unit.

As described above, according to the first aspect, the map data stored in the map data storage, the information sent from the communication unit, and the information stored in the object model presentation information storage are stored. Since objects can be synthesized and presented in the map data space based on the information, it is possible to more intuitively express real-time changing regulatory information, traffic congestion information, or various information flowing from the Internet without moving your eyes, The visibility of the user can be improved.

Further, what is registered in the storage medium in advance is the object model presentation information for which the presentation conditions and the presentation contents are to be changed in real time. If the conditions are satisfied at the time of execution, the object is created and deleted on the spot. It can be carried out. Therefore, not only is the storage capacity small, but also when the object model presentation conditions are updated or added or deleted via the communication unit, the storage capacity can be reduced. Therefore, an economical map display device can be provided.

A second invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the communication information includes information that changes with time.

The third invention is an invention according to the second invention, wherein a plurality of pieces of information change with time.

A fourth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the communication information includes traffic information.

A fifth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the communication information includes advertisement information.

A sixth invention is the invention according to the first invention, wherein the communication information includes position information corresponding to a predetermined position on a map.

As described above, according to the second to sixth aspects of the present invention, information that is fixed and does not change with time, such as landmarks, is included in general map data. Adopts different information as communication information,
By converting to objects in real time,
The user can easily and intuitively grasp the latest information from outside, for example, traffic information and parking lot information.

A seventh invention is the invention according to the first invention, wherein the object model presentation information includes information on a shape of the object and information on a spatiotemporal behavior of the object.

As described above, according to the seventh aspect, the information stored in the object model presentation information storage unit is constituted by a set of information on the shape of the object and information on the spatio-temporal behavior. It is possible to easily manage information such as when replacing with model presentation information or when replacing only a part of shape information or information on spatiotemporal behavior.

An eighth invention is an invention according to the seventh invention, wherein the information on the spatiotemporal behavior of the object is described using an object-oriented interpreter language which can be executed without compiling. It is characterized by the following.

As described above, according to the eighth aspect, the information stored in the object model presentation information storage unit can be described by a script that can be executed without compiling.
Object model presentation information independent of the map display device can be used. Therefore, the operation on the server side that provides the object model presentation information can be facilitated. In addition, by using a standard script language such as JAVA, object model presentation information can be widely captured via a network, so that distribution and reusability of object model presentation information can be improved. .

A ninth aspect is the invention according to the seventh aspect, wherein the information relating to the spatiotemporal behavior of the object includes an execution condition and an execution function.

As described above, according to the ninth aspect, there is no need to fix execution conditions. Therefore, the object does not have to react the same every time to the information input by the user or the information input from the communication unit, and it is possible to provide unexpected and flexible presentation contents.

A tenth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the map data combining section combines the generated objects in relation to the roads included in the map.

An eleventh invention is an invention according to the tenth invention, wherein a plurality of objects are generated and arranged along the road.

As described above, according to the tenth and eleventh aspects, the user can easily and intuitively grasp information such as road-related accidents and traffic jams.

A twelfth invention is according to the first invention, wherein the map data synthesizing section interprets the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information inputted from the object model presentation information storage section. An object presentation information execution unit to be executed, an object creation unit that receives an execution result from the object presentation information execution unit to generate an object, and a data synthesis unit that synthesizes the object on a map are included.

As described above, according to the twelfth aspect, 2
Since a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be generated and synthesized on a two-dimensional or three-dimensional map, various types of information can be expressed more intuitively without moving the line of sight, thereby improving the visibility of the user. Improvement can be achieved.

A thirteenth invention is an invention according to the twelfth invention, wherein the map data synthesizing unit creates a three-dimensional map based on the map information of the two-dimensional data input from the map data storage unit. And a data synthesizing unit for synthesizing the object on the map generated by the three-dimensional map generating unit.

As described above, according to the thirteenth aspect, 2
Since a three-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be generated and synthesized on a three-dimensional map, various types of information can be expressed more intuitively without moving the line of sight, thereby improving the visibility of the user. be able to. Further, since a three-dimensional map is created based on the map information of the two-dimensional data, the capacity of the storage medium for storing the map in the map data storage unit can be reduced.

A fourteenth invention is a invention according to the twelfth invention, wherein the map data synthesizing section converts the two-dimensional object generated by the object creating section into a three-dimensional object. The data conversion unit further includes a coordinate conversion unit, and the data synthesis unit synthesizes the three-dimensional object converted by the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit on a map.

As described above, according to the fourteenth aspect, 2
Since a two-dimensional object can be generated and synthesized on a two-dimensional or three-dimensional map, various kinds of information can be expressed more intuitively without moving the line of sight, thereby improving the visibility of the user. be able to. Further, since the three-dimensional object is created based on the object model presentation information of the two-dimensional data, the capacity of a storage medium for storing the object model presentation information in the object model presentation information storage unit can be reduced.

A fifteenth invention is according to the first invention, further comprising a time information storage unit for storing time information corresponding to a position of a moving body which periodically operates a predetermined route, The map data synthesizing unit further generates an object corresponding to the moving object with reference to the time information, and synthesizes the object on the map.

A sixteenth invention is an invention according to the fifteenth invention, wherein the map data synthesizing unit refers to the time information and corresponds to the moving object to be displayed on the map screen at the current time. Only the object is selected, the position of the selected object on the map at the current time is calculated, and the selected object is synthesized on the map.

As described above, according to the fifteenth and sixteenth aspects, the object corresponding to the time information on the map,
For example, a map screen on which a running train object or the like is arranged is displayed to the user. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the user by expressing various information more intuitively without moving the line of sight. For example, the user can more intuitively grasp the position and direction on the map by comparing the displayed train object running on the map screen with the surrounding scenery and the actually running train.

The seventeenth invention is a navigation device which synthesizes and displays communication information transmitted from the outside of the device as an object having a predetermined shape on a map and provides guidance to a destination. An input unit for inputting an instruction, a position detection unit for detecting a current position, a map data storage unit for storing map information in advance, and an object model for storing object model presentation information for presenting an object on a map in advance Route selection for selecting a route to a destination based on the presentation information storage unit, the instruction input from the input unit, the current position detected by the position detection unit, and the map information stored in the map data storage unit. Unit, a communication unit for receiving the transmitted communication information, and a corresponding object input from the communication information and object model presentation information storage unit. The map data synthesizing unit that interprets the model presentation information to generate an object and synthesizes it on the map, the communication information received by the communication unit, the route selected by the route selection unit, and the position detected by the position detection unit The current position and the map information from the map data storage unit are input to generate the guidance to the destination,
A guide unit that outputs a map screen synthesized by the map data synthesis unit, and a display unit that displays the map screen input from the guide unit to the user.

In an eighteenth aspect based on the seventeenth aspect, the object model presentation information includes information on the shape of the object and information on the spatiotemporal behavior of the object.

A nineteenth invention is an invention according to the eighteenth invention, wherein the information on the behavior of the object in time and space is described using an object-oriented interpreter language which can be executed without compilation. It is characterized by the following.

According to a twentieth aspect, in accordance with the eighteenth aspect, the information relating to the spatiotemporal behavior of the object includes an execution condition and an execution function.

A twenty-first invention is an invention according to the seventeenth invention, wherein the map data synthesizing section synthesizes the generated object in relation to a road included in the map.

A twenty-second invention is an invention according to the twenty-first invention, wherein a plurality of objects are generated and arranged along a road.

According to a twenty-third aspect, the invention according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the map data synthesizing unit interprets the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information input from the object model presentation information storage unit. An object presentation information execution unit to be executed, an object creation unit that receives an execution result from the object presentation information execution unit to generate an object, and a data synthesis unit that synthesizes the object on a map are included.

A twenty-fourth invention is an invention according to the twenty-third invention, wherein the map data synthesizing unit creates a three-dimensional map based on the map information of the two-dimensional data input from the map data storage unit. And a data synthesizing unit for synthesizing the object on the map generated by the three-dimensional map generating unit.

A twenty-fifth invention is an invention according to the twenty-third invention, wherein the map data synthesizing unit converts the two-dimensional object generated by the object creating unit into a three-dimensional object. The data conversion unit further includes a coordinate conversion unit, and the data synthesis unit synthesizes the three-dimensional object converted by the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit on a map.

[0062] A twenty-sixth invention is an invention according to the seventeenth invention, further comprising a time information storage unit for storing in advance time information corresponding to a position of a moving body which periodically operates a predetermined route. The map data synthesizing unit further generates an object corresponding to the moving object with reference to the time information, and synthesizes the object on the map.

A twenty-seventh invention is an invention according to the twenty-sixth invention, wherein the map data synthesizing unit refers to the time information and corresponds to the moving object to be displayed on the map screen at the current time. Only the object is selected, the position of the selected object on the map at the current time is calculated, and the selected object is synthesized on the map.

As described above, according to the seventeenth and twenty-seventh aspects, it is possible to provide a navigation device having the same effects as those of the map display devices according to the first to sixteenth aspects.

[0065] A twenty-eighth invention is a map display method for composing and displaying communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map, comprising: an input step of inputting an instruction from a user; A communication step of receiving the transmitted communication information; a map data synthesizing step of generating an object by interpreting the communication information and an object model presentation information for presenting the corresponding object on a map, and synthesizing the object on a map; And displaying the map screen combined in the map data combining step to the user.

A twenty-ninth aspect is the invention according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the map data synthesizing step includes an object presentation information execution step for interpreting and executing the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information; The method includes an object creating step of creating an object from an execution result in the presentation information executing step, and a data combining step of combining the object on a map.

A thirtieth invention is an invention according to the twenty-ninth invention, wherein the map data synthesizing step further includes a three-dimensional map creation step of creating a three-dimensional map based on the map information of the two-dimensional data. The data synthesizing step is characterized in that the object is synthesized on the map created in the three-dimensional map creating step.

A thirty-first aspect is an invention according to the twenty-ninth aspect, wherein the map data synthesizing step converts the two-dimensional object created in the object creating step into a three-dimensional object. Further comprising a source coordinate transformation step, wherein the data synthesis step comprises:
3 converted in the 2D / 3D coordinate conversion step
It is characterized in that dimensional objects are combined on a map.

[0069] A thirty-second invention is the invention according to the twenty-eighth invention, wherein the map data synthesizing step includes the step of generating an object based on time information corresponding to the position of a moving object that periodically travels on a predetermined route. It is generated and synthesized on a map.

A thirty-third invention is an invention according to the twenty-eighth invention, wherein the communication step includes receiving communication information including information for specifying a toll gate to be passed, and Transmits the billing information for the billing process, and in the map data combining step, refers to the communication information in a predetermined case, generates an object corresponding to the moving object, combines the object on the map, and generates the billing information. It is characterized by doing.

A thirty-fourth invention is an invention according to the twenty-eighth invention, wherein the communication step includes receiving communication information including position information of a ridable vehicle, and at least, The ride information including information for specifying the vehicle desired to be transmitted is transmitted, and the map data combining step generates an object corresponding to the communication information and combines it on a map, and, if the ride is desired, the ride information. Is generated.

A thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is a navigation method for synthesizing and displaying communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map, comprising: an input step of receiving an instruction from a user; A communication step of receiving the communication information, a position detection step of detecting a current position, interpreting the communication information and an object model presentation information for presenting the corresponding object on a map, generating an object, and generating a map. A map data synthesizing step to be synthesized above, an instruction input in the input step, a current position detected in the position detection step, and a route selection step of selecting a route to the destination based on the map information, The communication information received in the communication step and the route selected in the route selection step A guidance step for generating a guidance to a destination based on the current position detected in the position detection step and the map information, and outputting a map screen synthesized in the map data synthesis step; And displaying the map screen to the user.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect, an object model for presenting communication information and an object on a map is provided on a map display device which synthesizes and displays communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. A program for executing an object presentation information execution step of interpreting and executing presentation information, an object creation step of generating an object from an execution result in the object presentation information execution step, and a data synthesis step of synthesizing the object on a map Is a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect, an object for presenting communication information and a corresponding object on a map is provided for a navigation device that synthesizes and displays communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. A route to a destination is selected based on a map data synthesizing step of generating an object by interpreting the model presentation information and synthesizing the object on a map, an instruction input by a user, a current position, and map information. Based on the route selection step, the communication information, the route selected in the route selection step, the current position, and the map information, a guide to the destination is generated, and the map synthesized in the map data synthesis step. Computer-readable recording a program for executing a guidance step to output a screen It is a recording medium.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect, an object model for presenting communication information and objects on a map is provided on a map display device for displaying the communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. Computer for executing an object presentation information execution step of interpreting and executing presentation information, an object creation step of generating an object from an execution result in the object presentation information execution step, and a data synthesis step of synthesizing the object on a map It is a program.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect, an object for presenting communication information and a corresponding object on a map is provided for a navigation device that synthesizes and displays communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. A route to a destination is selected based on a map data synthesizing step of generating an object by interpreting the model presentation information and synthesizing the object on a map, an instruction input by a user, a current position, and map information. Based on the route selection step, the communication information, the route selected in the route selection step, the current position, and the map information, a guide to the destination is generated, and the map synthesized in the map data synthesis step. And a guidance step of outputting a screen.

[0077]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Explanation of Basic Concept of the Present Invention) Before describing each embodiment of the present invention in detail, the basic concept will be described for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention.

The device according to each embodiment of the present invention receives information from the outside and converts it into an object of the same dimension as the map space (for example, a three-dimensional map space) displayed on the device. Furthermore, the image is synthesized and displayed in the map space. This allows the user to more intuitively grasp the real-time changing regulation information, traffic congestion information, or various information flowing from the Internet without moving his / her eyes. Therefore, the device according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve the visibility of information to the user and can improve the convenience of the user.

Further, if the map displayed on the device is three-dimensional, the user can feel more realistic, but the amount of information increases if polygon data of the corresponding three-dimensional object is transmitted as it is. . Further, in such a case, since the terminal does not have a function of synthesizing data, the method of presenting information cannot be customized according to the situation. On the other hand, the device according to each embodiment of the present invention receives the compressed information,
It is possible to provide a flexible user interface according to the situation at the place or the user's preference.

Although the respective devices according to the following embodiments are described as being mounted on a vehicle or carried by a pedestrian, any of the devices may be mounted on a moving body other than the vehicle. It may be an independent device carried by a pedestrian.

The above description of the basic concept should be used only for facilitating the understanding of the present invention.
It should be pointed out in advance that it should not be used to unduly narrow the scope of the invention.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing the composition of the map display device concerning an embodiment. In FIG. 1, the map display device includes an input unit 2
, A map data storage unit 3, a map data synthesis unit 4, a display unit 5, an object model presentation information storage unit 6, and a communication unit 7.

The input unit 2 is composed of a remote controller, a touch sensor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, which are operated by the user. Used to perform The instruction information output from the input unit 2 is input to the map data synthesis unit 4.

[0084] The map data storage unit 3 stores data on an optical disc (C
D, DVD, etc.), a hard disk, a semiconductor memory card such as an SD card, and the like. Two-dimensional map data or three-dimensional map data such as terrain, connection status of intersections and roads, coordinate / shape / attribute / regulation information, etc. Has been recorded. The map data recorded in the map data storage unit 3 is appropriately read out and used by the map data synthesis unit 4.

The communication section 7 transmits and receives information to and from an external system. For transmission and reception with an external system, for example, a telephone line, DAB, digital terrestrial broadcasting, etc. are used.
Typically, information is transmitted and received via the Internet.

The object model presentation information storage unit 6
As in the case of the map data storage unit 3, optical disks (CD, DV
D), a hard disk, a semiconductor memory card such as an SD card, or the like, and a method for presenting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object on a map according to information input from the communication unit 7 or the input unit 2. Stores information about The details of the information and the method for presenting the object will be described later.

The map data synthesizing section 4 converts the map data stored in the map data storage section 3, the information sent from the communication section 7, and the information stored in the object model presentation information storage section 6. Then, the object is synthesized in the map data space. The function of the map data synthesizing unit 4 can also be realized by software control based on the CPU. In this case, the map display device typically includes a recording medium storing a program for controlling the software. The map display device may use a program transmitted from a communication line.

The display unit 5 includes a display device (liquid crystal display, CRT display, etc.), a speaker, and the like, and displays a map screen synthesized by the map data synthesizing unit 4. Also, with or in place of the display,
A voice for guidance may be output.

The configuration of the map display device shown in FIG. 1 as described above can be realized in a general computer system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a map display device realized in a general computer system.

In FIG. 2, the map display device has a CPU
332, ROM 333, RAM 334, and output unit 3
35, an input unit 336, and a communication unit 338. These are connected by a common system bus. Here, the ROM 333 can include a storage device using an external storage medium, for example, an optical disk (CD, DVD, or the like), a semiconductor memory card, or the like, in addition to a read-only memory provided inside the computer. Also, R
The AM 334 includes a readable / writable memory provided inside the computer, and a readable / writable external storage medium such as an optical disk (CD-R / W, DVD-RAM, etc.),
It can include a storage device using a hard disk, a semiconductor memory card, or the like.

In FIG. 2, the CPU 3 of the map display device
32 operates according to a program stored in one or both of the ROM 333 and the RAM 334. The function of the map data synthesis unit 4 in FIG. 1 is realized by the program. In this case, the map display device typically implements a recording medium storing the program. The map display device may use a program transmitted from a communication line.

[0092] Typically, the map data storage unit 3 in FIG. However, all or part of the map data storage unit 3 may be included in the RAM 334. Similarly, the object model presentation information storage unit is typically included in the RAM 334,
333 may be included.

As described above, the map display device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is different from the conventional map display device shown in FIG. The difference is that a map data synthesizing unit 4 is provided in place of the data creating unit 400, and an output from the communication unit 7 is input to the map data synthesizing unit 4. Hereinafter, each operation will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the map data synthesizing unit 4 in the map display device of FIG.
Hereinafter, the operation of the map data synthesis unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S11 of FIG. 3, the map data synthesizing unit 4 reads out the map data corresponding to the map number and the display command input from the input unit 2 from the map data storage unit 3.

Next, in step S12, the map data synthesizing unit 4 reads communication information from the communication unit 7. Note that, unlike the map information, the content of the information changes with time. Therefore, the information must always be read from the external information source via the communication unit 7 at least once. In that sense, the information is different from general landmark information or the like which is constituted only by positional information or shape information of a landmark building.

The information sent from the communication section 7 includes, for example, the contents shown in FIG. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the content of information sent from the communication unit 7 using a tree structure. As shown in FIG. 4, the information content is roughly divided into traffic information, emergency information, parking lot information, inter-vehicle communication information, and other information. It should be noted that the information content shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and thus may be configured with only some information or may include other information content.

First, in FIG. 4, the traffic information includes traffic congestion information, accident information, under construction information, and freezing information.
Hereinafter, these information contents will be described. Traffic information
For example, it has a data structure including a traffic jam information ID and link data. Here, the link refers to a unit for expressing a position corresponding to a road in a predetermined section, such as an intercept in which a road is divided in each direction from an intersection to an intersection. Typically, the link data includes link information, From information, To information, and lane information. Here, the traffic jam information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is traffic jam information. The link information is a link number of a map corresponding to a road where traffic is congested. F
The rom information indicates a start position of an interpolation point number or the like in a link where traffic congestion occurs. The To information indicates an end position such as an interpolation point number in a link where traffic congestion occurs. The lane information is information such as a lane number where traffic congestion occurs. The traffic congestion information may include a plurality of link data.

The accident information has a data structure including, for example, an accident information ID and link data. Typically, the link data includes link information, latitude and longitude, and lane information. Here, the accident information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is accident information. The link information is a link number of a map corresponding to the road where the accident has occurred. The latitude and longitude indicate the latitude and longitude in the link of the place where the accident has occurred. The lane information is information such as a lane number where an accident has occurred.

The under construction information has, for example, a data structure including a construction information ID and link data. Typically, link data includes link information, From information,
To information and lane information are included. Here, construction information ID
Is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is construction information. The link information is a link number of a map corresponding to a road on which construction is being performed. Fr
The om information indicates a starting position of an interpolation point number or the like in a link on which construction is being performed. The To information indicates an end position such as an interpolation point number in a link on which construction is being performed. Lane information is
Information such as the lane number under construction. Note that the under construction information may include a plurality of link data.

The frozen information has a data structure including, for example, a frozen information ID and link data. Typically, link data includes link information, From information,
To information. Here, the frozen information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is frozen information. The link information is a link number of a map corresponding to a road on which freezing has occurred. From information is
Indicates the start position of the interpolation point number and the like in the link where the freeze has occurred. The To information indicates an end position such as an interpolation point number in a link where freezing has occurred. Note that the freeze information may include a plurality of link data.

Next, the emergency information includes ambulance information, police car information, and fire engine information. Hereinafter, these information contents will be described. The ambulance information has a data structure including, for example, an emergency information ID and link data. Typically, link data includes current location information and To
Information and route information. The emergency information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is ambulance information. The current location information is information on the current location of the ambulance. The To information is information for indicating where the ambulance is heading, and is a place where an emergency patient has occurred, a place of a hospital, or a facility number thereof. The route information is route information in which an ambulance is predicted to pass. The route information may be calculated by performing a route search based on the current location information and the To information.

The police car information is, for example, police car information I
It has a data structure including D and link data. Typically, the link data includes current location information, To information, and route information. The police car information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is police car information. The current location information is information on the current position of the police car. The To information is information for indicating where the police car is heading, and includes the place where the incident occurred, the place of the police, the facility number thereof, and the like. The route information is route information predicted that a police car will pass. The route information may be calculated by performing a route search based on the current location information and the To information.

The fire engine information is, for example, fire information ID
And a data structure including link data. Typically, the link data includes current location information, To information,
Path information. The fire information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is fire engine information. The current location information is information on the current position of the fire truck. The To information is information for indicating where the fire truck is heading, such as a place where a fire has occurred, a place of a hospital, or a facility number thereof. The route information is route information that the fire engine is expected to pass. The route information may be calculated by performing a route search based on the current location information and the To information.

The parking lot information includes parking lot free space information and the like. The parking lot availability information has, for example, a data structure including a parking lot information ID and link data. Typically, the link data includes position information, a parking lot ID, and free space information. The parking lot information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is parking lot information. The position information is information on the position of the parking lot. The parking lot ID is a facility number corresponding to the parking lot. The vacancy information is information indicating the vacancy of the parking lot.

Further, the inter-vehicle communication information includes inter-vehicle distance information and the like. The inter-vehicle distance information has a data structure including, for example, an inter-vehicle distance information ID and link data. Typically, the link data includes a forward distance, a vehicle type, a rearward distance, and the vehicle type. The inter-vehicle distance information ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is inter-vehicle distance information. The forward distance and the type of the vehicle indicate the inter-vehicle distance to the vehicle in front and the type of the vehicle. The rear distance and the vehicle type indicate the inter-vehicle distance to the vehicle behind and the vehicle type.

Finally, the other information includes landmark information, sports information, and gambling information. Hereinafter, these information contents will be described. The landmark information has a data structure including, for example, a facility ID and link data. The landmark information referred to here is different from the above-mentioned general landmark information, and includes provided information regarding the landmark, for example, shop type information and advertisement information. Specifically, this advertising information includes:
The information includes service contents at a corresponding store such as a bargain or an event, and character or image information for advertising the store or the product itself. The link data included in the landmark information typically includes adjacent link information, latitude and longitude,
And provided information. The facility ID is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is information on facilities such as landmarks. The adjacent link information is the link information of the nearest neighbor. The latitude / longitude is a latitude / longitude used as a reference for the arrangement of the facility. The provided information includes the provided information on the landmark as described above.

The sports information has a data structure including, for example, a facility ID and link data. Typically, link data includes adjacent link information, latitude and longitude,
And provided information. The facility ID is an information identification number for identifying that the subsequent link data is information about the facility. The adjacent link information is the link information of the nearest neighbor. The latitude / longitude is a latitude / longitude used as a reference for the arrangement of the facility. The provided information is provided information such as a match result regarding sports.

The gambling information has a data structure including, for example, a facility ID and link data. Typically, link data includes adjacent link information, latitude and longitude,
And provided information. The facility ID is an information identification number for identifying that the subsequent link data is information about the facility. The adjacent link information is the link information of the nearest neighbor. The latitude / longitude is a latitude / longitude used as a reference for the arrangement of the facility. The provided information is provided information such as a result regarding gambling.

Next, the subroutine step S13 in FIG.
, The map data synthesizing unit 4 refers to the above-described communication information read from the communication unit 7 and the information stored in the object model
A three-dimensional or three-dimensional object is created and combined with the map data read from the map data storage unit 3. FIG. 5 shows the processing contents of this subroutine step S13.
This will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a subroutine step S1 of FIG.
13 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of No. 3; In step S131 in FIG. 5, the map data synthesis unit 4 determines whether the communication information read from the communication unit 7 exists and whether the corresponding position exists in the map to be displayed. If there is no communication information or the corresponding position is outside the map, the map data synthesizing unit 4 ends the process of the subroutine step S13 and returns. If the communication information exists and the corresponding position exists in the map, the map data synthesis unit 4 proceeds to step S132.

In step S132, the map data synthesizing section 4 reads the object model presentation information corresponding to the read communication information from the object model presentation information storage section 6. Note that all or a part of the object model presentation information may be configured to be included in the communication information.

Further, typically, the map data synthesizing section 4 creates an object model by adapting the parameters read from the communication section 7 to the functions included in the read object model presentation information. Next, the map data synthesizing unit 4 synthesizes the created object model with the map according to the position in the map display space. The result is displayed on the display 5 (subroutine step S133). The detailed processing content of this subroutine step S133 will be described later.

Here, the contents of the object model presentation information will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of the object model presentation information. As shown in FIG. 6, the object model presentation information can be typically divided into information on a shape and information on a behavior in a spatiotemporal manner.

The information on the shape is directly expressed using, for example, polygon information for expressing the shape and a description for specifying the texture to be attached to the polygon. Alternatively, the information on the shape is indirectly expressed using a description that specifies a function and a parameter.

Next, the information on the behavior of the spatiotemporal space is expressed so that a predetermined process is executed if a predetermined condition is met. If expressed like this,
There is no need to fix execution conditions. Therefore, the object does not need to react the same every time to the input of the user or the information input from the communication unit 7, and it is possible to provide unexpected and flexible presentation contents. In addition, the information on the behavior of the space-time can be simply expressed in a format in which the function name and the contents of the function are described. First, the former configuration will be described.

Typically, a method executed when a corresponding object is created is described in CREATE in FIG. 6 as information on the behavior of the spatiotemporal space in FIG. Further, as information on the behavior of the space-time, a method executed when the car approaches within a predetermined distance of the object is described in CAR_NEAR in the figure.

Further, a detailed example of the above-described object model presentation information will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detailed specific example of object model presentation information corresponding to other information as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, the object model presentation information 700 includes information 701 on the shape and information 702 on the behavior of the space-time. The information 701 on the shape is, for example, “gas_station.obj”.
3D shape information stored in a file named. The information 701 on the shape includes, for example, information on the width, height, and depth of the polygon, and “ess” that specifies the texture to be attached to the polygon.
o_station. bmp ". Further, the information 701 on the shape includes position information. In FIG. 7, the position information is three-dimensional coordinates at which the object is displayed. The two figures shown in the upper right part of the figure show examples in which each is actually drawn using the information on the shape as described above.

The information 702 about the behavior of the spatiotemporal space included in the object model presentation information 700 may be expressed in any language, but typically, is expressed in an object-oriented interpreted language (for example, Su
Java developed by n Microsystems
(Registered trademark) language). A script written in such a language does not need to be compiled, can be executed immediately, and can be easily created, which is suitable for the present embodiment.

Information 7 on the behavior of the spatiotemporal space in FIG. 7
In 02, the pos method creates an object at the position of the space coordinates corresponding to the facility ID. The Dir method represents the inclination of an object in a three-dimensional space. The Shape method draws an object. The BlinkObject method causes a predetermined object to blink when the distance between the car and the object becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined numerical value radius. Therefore,
The information 702 on the behavior of the spatiotemporal space is described so that the object blinks when the position of the predetermined object enters within a predetermined distance radius from the car.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the information on the behavior of the spatiotemporal space in FIG. 7 is executed. In FIG. 8, Road Objects represent roads on the map, and a rectangular parallelepiped graphic at the top of the figure represents an object drawn on the map. Here, it is assumed that the own vehicle is traveling along a route Route represented by a thick line in the figure. First, when the position of the car is in position 1 in the figure, the state of the object does not change. Then, when the position of the car comes to position2,
The position of the object is a predetermined radius from the car
Get in. Then, the information on the behavior of the space-time in FIG. 7 is executed, and the object blinks.

Next, a case where the information on the behavior of the spatiotemporal space is expressed in a format in which the function name and the contents of the function are described will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying function names and contents of functions stored in the object model presentation information storage unit 6 and corresponding to the above-described traffic information. FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying function names and function contents stored in the object model presentation information storage unit 6 and corresponding to the above-described emergency information, parking lot information, and inter-vehicle communication information.

In FIG. 9, for example, when traffic congestion information is transmitted from the VICS or the like via the communication unit 7,
When the corresponding position is within the map to be displayed, the map data synthesizing unit 4 executes a congestion information presentation function. Therefore, the processing is executed according to the numbers included in the function contents in FIG. That is, as a first step, the map data synthesizing unit 4 sets the road information corresponding to the link information read from the communication unit 7, the From information, and the To information (for example, a line element constituting the road as a line element). (For example, a prescribed table) is read from the map data storage unit 3. Next, as a second step, the map data synthesis unit 4
Calculates the map data display space coordinates of the section corresponding to the information read in the first step. Finally, as a third step, the map data synthesizing unit 4 creates objects such as car polygons and traffic congestion billboards representing traffic congestion in the intermediate buffer and arranges them in the display space. When the above steps are executed, car polygons or the like indicating traffic congestion are created in the map space and arranged on the road.
Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp the traffic jam information without moving his / her eyes.

The above processing is similarly performed for other communication information, and individual functions stored in the object model presentation information storage section 6 are executed according to the communication information. These functions are as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.

Next, a specific processing example when the above-described traffic jam information presentation function is executed will be described in further detail. First,
The traffic jam information read from the communication unit 7 by the map data synthesis unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of traffic congestion information sent from the VICS or the like via the communication unit 7. The traffic jam information in FIG. 11 includes a traffic jam information ID 551, a traffic jam link number 552, a start interpolation point number 553, an end interpolation point number 554, and a traffic jam lane number 555. These pieces of information correspond to the congestion information ID, the link information, the From information, the To information, and the lane information included in the congestion information in FIG. 4 described above.

The congestion information ID 551 is an information identification number for identifying that the following link data is congestion information. The congestion link number 552 is a link number corresponding to a congested road. For example, if 1010 is stored here, it indicates that the road with link number 1010 is congested. The start interpolation point number 553 and the end interpolation point number 554 represent a start interpolation point and an end interpolation point in a link corresponding to a congested road. For example, 1 is stored in the start interpolation point number 553, and the end interpolation point number 55
When 2 is stored in 4, it indicates that the section from the interpolation point 1 to the interpolation point 2 is congested on the road with the link number 1010. The traffic congestion lane number 555 is a traffic lane number where traffic congestion occurs. In addition, as described above, the traffic congestion information may include a plurality of link data.

Next, a processing procedure when the traffic jam information presentation function is executed will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the traffic congestion information presentation function is executed. When the congestion information presentation function is executed in step S101 of FIG.
Reads from the map data storage unit 3 information indicating the relationship between the read traffic information and the map data (hereinafter, referred to as a correspondence table).

FIG. 13 is a diagram exemplifying a correspondence table showing a relationship with the map data stored in the map data synthesizing section 4. As shown in FIG. The correspondence table in FIG. 13 includes a link number corresponding to a road, its start and end interpolation point numbers, the number of roads, and one or more sets of a sequence number and its start / end spine point numbers.

Here, the number of roads means the map data storage unit 3
And represents the number of roads in the map data corresponding to the link number. The sequence number is a number assigned to a sequence that is the minimum unit of a road in the map data stored in the map data storage unit 3. This sequence is composed of straight lines, broken lines, curves, and the like, and the control points are called spine points. Two or more spine points are provided for one sequence, and are sequentially numbered. Therefore, an arbitrary line element side in the map data can be uniquely indicated by a set of the sequence number, the start spine point number, and the end spine point number.

Note that the sequence number shown here and
The set of the start spine point number and the end spine point number differs depending on the data structure of the map data, but if the data can uniquely indicate an arbitrary line element side in the map data, these sets are used. The data is not limited, and may be any data.

Next, in step S102 of FIG. 12, the map data synthesizing unit 4 extracts the number of roads in the map data from the read information of the correspondence table. According to the example of the correspondence table in FIG. 13, the number of roads is three.

Then, in step S103, the map data synthesizing section 4 compares the extracted number of roads with the number of processed roads, and if they are equal, determines that the processing for the number of roads has been completed. The process jumps to step S108. If not, the process proceeds to step S104
Proceed to.

In step S104, the map data synthesizing section 4 sets a predetermined set (the initial set is the initial set) of the sequence numbers, start spine point numbers, and end spine point numbers read out in step S101. Is retrieved from the map data storage unit 3 and read out. Note that the three-dimensional coordinate points may be stored in a predetermined table provided separately from the map data, or may be calculated from the map data itself. Also,
Here, two-dimensional coordinate points may be used.

Next, in step S104, the map data synthesizing section 4 performs an offset process for correcting the read three-dimensional coordinate points. Because the read sequence of coordinate points corresponds to the center line of the road, it is necessary to calculate the center position of the read coordinate point sequence in order to correspond to the lane indicated by the congestion lane number 555 included in the congestion information. It is.
Here, when the lane number is 1, the lane on the left side in the direction from the interpolation point number 1 to 2 is represented, and the center point sequence of the left lane is obtained.

Further, in step S104, the map data synthesizing unit 4 determines the position and size at which the three-dimensional model of the car specified by the running traffic information presentation function is to be arranged.
The number, direction, and the like are calculated by interpolating the left lane center point sequence.

When the process for a certain road is completed as described above, in step S105, the map data synthesizing unit 4 increments the number of processed roads, and reads out the read sequence numbers, start spine point numbers, and end numbers. From the spine point numbers, a predetermined set is selected in order to perform processing on the next road. After that, the process proceeds to step S103
Return to

If all processes are completed, step S10
At 8, the map data synthesizing unit 4 reads the model data of the car from the map data storage unit 3 or the object model presentation information storage unit 6. Next, the map data synthesis unit 4
Is placed in the intermediate buffer so that it can be combined with the map data and displayed on the display 5 with reference to the position, size, number, direction, and the like of each of the car models obtained in step S106. Note that the car model is not limited to a three-dimensional model, and may be a two-dimensional model or a photographed image.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a map viewed from the sky in a direction perpendicular to the map plane to show the relationship between the car model and the roads arranged as described above. In FIG. 14, a road 546 represents a road with a link number 1000 having interpolation points 541 and 542, and a road 547 represents a road with a link number 1010 having interpolation points 543 and 544. As shown in the correspondence table of FIG. 13, the road with the link number 1010 is composed of three sequences.
71 to 5473. Therefore, sequence 5
The sequence number of 471 is 15, the start spine point number is 0, and the end spine point number is 1. Similarly, the sequence number of sequence 5472 is 14, the start spine point number is 0, and the end spine point number is 1. The sequence number of the sequence 5473 is 13, the start spine point number is 0, and the end spine point number is 1. Further, FIG. 15 shows that the map shown in FIG.
It is the side view seen from the ground height in the direction of the interpolation point 543 from 44.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a road 547 having a link number 1010 crosses a road 546 having a link number 1000 at a height above the ground, and a left lane of a road 547 having a link number 1010 is changed. You can see that there is traffic. When actually displayed, the map may be displayed three-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. The same applies to the display of the car model 548.

The processing of the congestion information presentation function as described above
The same procedure can be used to display lane regulation information during construction. Of course, the congestion information ID in the congestion information described above is replaced with the under construction information ID, and the model arranged on the road is replaced with a model such as a signboard or a doll indicating that construction is underway. Thus, the processing of the functions shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be performed in the same manner.

When the processing in step S133 of the subroutine of FIG. 5 is completed as described above, next, in step S134
In, the map data synthesizing unit 4 confirms whether all the information read from the communication unit 7 has been executed. If all of them have been executed, the map data synthesizing unit 4 ends the process of the subroutine step S13, and returns to the flow of FIG. If all of them have not been executed yet, the map data synthesis unit 4 returns the processing to step S132 and repeats a series of processing. In FIG. 3, when the processing of the subroutine step S13 is completed, the map data synthesizing unit 4 sends the synthesized map data to the display 5. The display 5 displays a map screen to the user.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of a map screen generated through the above processing. In FIG. 16, a car polygon indicating the position of a police car, a traffic jam billboard indicating a traffic jam, and an animation figure indicating that construction is underway are arranged on a three-dimensional landscape including a group of buildings. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp various information without moving his / her eyes.

Further, the subroutine step S1 in FIG.
As a premise for explaining the detailed processing of the map data synthesis unit 4 in 33, first, the detailed configuration of the map data synthesis unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the map data synthesizing section 4. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 17, the map data synthesizing unit 4 receives information from the object model presentation information storage unit 6, the input unit 2, and the communication unit 7, and
An object presentation information execution unit 41 for executing object model presentation information; and an object presentation information execution unit 41
And a display data synthesizing section 42 to which map data is input from the map data storage section 3 and synthesizes display data.

The object presentation information execution section 41 detects an interrupt event and executes a command corresponding to each event. The object presentation information execution unit 41
Executes the object model presentation information to create object data and sends it to the display data synthesizing unit 42. The display data combining unit 42 combines the sent object data and map data and outputs the combined data to the display 5.

Next, the detailed configuration of the object presentation information execution section 41 will be described. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the object presentation information execution unit 41.
In FIG. 18, the object presentation information execution unit 41
Object presentation information control unit 411 and interpretation execution unit 41
2 is included.

The object presentation information control unit 411 receives information from the object model presentation information storage unit 6, the input unit 2, and the communication unit 7, and performs control corresponding to each event. According to the object creation request or the object attribute change request sent from the object presentation information control unit 411, the interpretation execution unit 412 interprets and executes the object model presentation information to generate object data, and sends the object data to the object presentation information control unit 411. Output.

Based on the above, detailed processing of the map data synthesizing unit 4 in the subroutine step S133 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 19 shows a subroutine step S13.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed process of No. 3;

In step S91 in FIG. 19, the object presentation information execution section 41 detects an interruption event from the communication section 7, the input section 2, or a timer interruption. Typically, the object presentation information execution unit 41 repeats the process of step S91 until an interrupt event is detected, unless an interrupt is received from another.

When an interrupt event is detected, in step S92, the object presentation information execution section 41
Analyzes the event and executes a process corresponding to the event. Here, four events are defined: an update event, a presentation condition firing event, a creation event, and an attribute change event. If the analyzed event is an update event, the process proceeds to step S94. If the analyzed event is the presentation condition firing event, the process proceeds to step S95. If the analyzed event is a creation event, the process proceeds to step S96. If the analyzed event is the attribute change event, the process proceeds to step S98.

In step S94 (update event), the object presentation information execution section 41 reads the update information of the object model presentation information from the communication section 7, and stores the update information in the object model presentation information storage section 6. The update information may be all or a part of the corresponding object model presentation information stored in the object model presentation information storage unit 6. When the above processing ends, the map data synthesis unit 4 ends the processing of the subroutine step S133, and returns to the flow of FIG.

Step S95 (presentation condition firing event)
In, the object presentation information execution unit 41 analyzes the content of the presentation condition firing event and changes the setting of the presentation condition. When the above processing is completed, the map data synthesis unit 4
The process of the subroutine step S133 ends, and the process returns to the flow in FIG.

In step S96 (creation event), the object presentation information control section 411 reads the object model presentation information of the corresponding object from the object model presentation information storage section 6, and reads the object execution information.
12 and sends a request for object creation processing. Further, in step S97, the interpretation executing unit 412 interprets and executes the information on the shape of the sent object and the information on the behavior of the space-time (typically, information created in a simple language or a function expression). The model presentation conditions are set and presentation processing is performed, and control is returned to the object presentation information control unit 411. The structure and execution example of such object model presentation information have been described above.

Next, in step S99, the object presentation information executing section 41 sends the execution result of the object presentation information executed by the interpretation executing section 412 to the display data synthesizing section 42 and synthesizes it with the map data. When the above processing ends, the map data synthesis unit 4 ends the processing of the subroutine step S133, and returns to the flow of FIG.

In step S98 (attribute change event), the object presentation information control unit 411 requests the interpretation execution unit 412 to change the attribute of the object such as the position and size. Next, in step S99, the object presentation information execution unit 41 performs the above-described processing. When the above processing ends, the map data synthesis unit 4 ends the processing of the subroutine step S133, and returns to the flow of FIG.

Further, how the display data synthesizing section 42 generates the map screen in step S99 in FIG. 19 will be described in detail. First, a case where the generated map screen is a two-dimensional landscape will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the display data synthesizing unit 42 when a two-dimensional landscape is created. 20, the display data combining unit 42 includes a two-dimensional object creating unit 145 and a two-dimensional data combining unit 146.

The two-dimensional object creation unit 145 receives the object model presentation information from the object presentation information execution unit 41 and creates a two-dimensional object. The two-dimensional data synthesizing unit 146 receives the two-dimensional object created by the two-dimensional object creating unit 145 and the two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3, and based on the two-dimensional coordinate data in each other's data. And a map image to be displayed to the user.

Next, a case where the map screen generated by the display data synthesizing section 42 is a three-dimensional landscape will be described. Here, even if the generated map screen is a three-dimensional landscape, the objects created from the object model presentation information and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 3 need not necessarily be three-dimensional data. Absent. Therefore, first, the display data synthesizing unit 42 receives three-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution unit 41 and two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3, and displays a three-dimensional landscape map screen. The case of generation will be described.

FIG. 21 shows the object presentation information execution unit 4
3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a display data synthesizing unit 42, which receives a two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3 and generates a bird's-eye view map screen. It is.

In FIG. 21, display data synthesizing section 42
Is a bird's-eye view data transformation unit 141 that receives two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3 and transforms it into bird's-eye view map data, and receives three-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution unit 41. And a three-dimensional data synthesizing unit 143 that receives data from the bird's-eye view data deforming unit 141 and data from the three-dimensional object generating unit 142 and synthesizes them.

The bird's-eye view data transformation unit 141 receives two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3 and transforms the data into a bird's-eye view form of map data. A method of creating a bird's-eye view from two-dimensional data is disclosed in, for example, "Development of a bird's-eye view map display navigation system" (Academic Lecture Collection 962 1996-5, the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan). Hereinafter, a method of creating a bird's-eye view from two-dimensional data will be described.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a method of creating a bird's-eye view by performing perspective projection transformation on two-dimensional map data. In FIG. 22, V (Vx, Vy, Vz) represents the coordinates of the viewpoint. S (Sx, Sy) represents the coordinates of the bird's-eye view image on the monitor. M (Mx, My, Mz) represents coordinates on a two-dimensional map. Since the map data is two-dimensional data, Mz is 0. E (Ex, Ey, E
z) represents the relative position of the point M viewed in the viewpoint coordinate system. θ represents the angle at which the line of sight is looked down, and φ represents the direction angle of the line of sight. DS
Represents the theoretical distance between the viewpoint and the screen.

Here, the coordinates of the viewpoint V (Vx, Vy, V
z), the line of sight angle θ, and the line of sight angle φ, the coordinates S (Sx, Sy) of the bird's-eye view image with respect to the coordinates M (Mx, My, Mz) on the two-dimensional map. Can be requested. The calculation formula can be expressed as the following formula (1).

(Equation 1)

The bird's-eye view data transformation unit 141 transforms the two-dimensional map data input from the map data storage unit 3 into map data in the form of a bird's-eye view, for example, by calculating the above equation (1). The three-dimensional map data transformed into a bird's eye view is input to the three-dimensional data synthesis unit 143.

The three-dimensional object creation unit 142
Receives three-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution unit 41 and performs the processing in the above-described subroutine step S133 in FIG. 5 to create a three-dimensional object. The generated object is input to the three-dimensional data synthesis unit 143.

The three-dimensional data synthesizing unit 143 synthesizes the input three-dimensional map data and the data of the object, and outputs the synthesized data to the display unit 5. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the display 5 displays the data created in this manner.

In FIG. 23, a three-dimensional object indicating that construction is in progress and an object indicating that the parking lot is full are arranged on a map displayed in a bird's eye view. In FIG. 23, even if these objects look like two-dimensional objects, they represent three-dimensional objects whose shapes change as the viewpoint changes.

Next, three-dimensional data is input from the object presentation information execution unit 41, and two-dimensional map data is input from the map data storage unit 3, and a three-dimensional landscape different from the bird's-eye view as described above is input. The case where the map screen of is generated will be described.

FIG. 24 shows the object presentation information execution unit 4
3 is input from the map data storage unit 3 and two-dimensional map data is input from the map data storage unit 3 to generate a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape different from the bird's-eye view. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration.

In FIG. 24, display data synthesizing section 42
The three-dimensional map data creation unit 147 that receives two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3 to generate three-dimensional map data, and receives three-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution unit 41 A three-dimensional object creating unit 142 that creates an original object, and a three-dimensional data combining unit 143 that receives data from the three-dimensional map data creating unit 147 and data from the three-dimensional object creating unit 142 and combines them are described. Including.

In FIG. 24, the three-dimensional object creating unit 142 and the three-dimensional data synthesizing unit 143 perform the same configuration and operation as in FIG. Therefore, description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration and operation of the three-dimensional map data creation unit 147 will be described below.

FIG. 25 shows a three-dimensional map data creation unit 147.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of FIG. In FIG. 25, a three-dimensional map data creation unit 147 receives a two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3 and adds a height / width information to a height / width information giving unit 1471.
And a three-dimensional polygon creating unit 1472 that receives data from the height / width information giving unit 1471 and creates a three-dimensional object.

The height / width information providing unit 1471 typically uses the type of link (for example, a side road link or an elevated link) and branch node information contained in the input two-dimensional map data, and typically uses Analyzes a three-dimensional shape of a road or the like by applying a predetermined pattern. From the results of the analysis,
The height / width information giving unit 1471 gives height and width information to the two-dimensional data of the road or the like and generates three-dimensional map data.

The three-dimensional polygon creating unit 1472 calculates the height
The three-dimensional map data is input from the width information providing unit 1471, and a three-dimensional object is created using a general polygon creation method. As described above, the display data synthesis unit 42 of FIG. 24 generates a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape different from the bird's-eye view.

Next, the display data synthesizing unit 42 receives two-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution unit 41, and receives three-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3, and outputs a three-dimensional scene. A case where a map screen is generated will be described.

FIG. 26 shows the object presentation information execution unit 4
The detailed configuration of the display data synthesizing unit 42, which receives two-dimensional data from 1 and receives three-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3 and generates a three-dimensional landscape map screen, has been described. It is a block diagram.

In FIG. 26, display data synthesizing section 42
Are a two-dimensional object creation unit 145 that receives two-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution unit 41 to create a two-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional object that receives two-dimensional object data and converts it into three-dimensional coordinates. The three-dimensional map data is input from the three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit 144 and the map data storage unit 3, and the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit 14 is input.
And a three-dimensional data synthesizing unit 143 that receives the three-dimensional objects from 4 and synthesizes them.

In FIG. 26, two-dimensional object creation unit 145 receives two-dimensional data from object presentation information execution unit 41 and performs the processing in subroutine step S133 shown in FIG. 5 to create a two-dimensional object. I do.

More specifically, as described above, a plurality of image files are prepared as two-dimensional shape information included in the object model presentation information. FIG. 27 is a diagram exemplifying a plurality of image files prepared as two-dimensional shape information included in the object model presentation information. FIG.
In FIG. 7, the plurality of images are respectively classified into types of an accident image, a construction image, and a traffic jam image. These image types correspond to each object model presentation information. In addition, each type of image further includes
It is divided into medium-distance and short-distance.

First, the two-dimensional object creation unit 145
Determines the type of image corresponding to the object model presentation information. Next, the two-dimensional object creation unit 145
Is the image type for long distance,
Select either the medium distance image or the short distance image. Here, as described above, the object model presentation information includes position information indicating the position of the object as information on the shape. The position information is represented by three-dimensional coordinates. In FIG. 27, the image for long distance, the image for medium distance, and the image for short distance are determined according to the distance between the three-dimensional coordinates indicating the position of the object and the viewpoint coordinates. Therefore, typically, the two-dimensional object creation unit 145 calculates the distance between the three-dimensional coordinates representing the position of the object and the viewpoint coordinates, and determines which predetermined range of the distance includes the distance. Determine.

The two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit 144 converts the two-dimensional coordinates of the generated two-dimensional object into three-dimensional coordinates based on the corresponding position information. The converted three-dimensional object data is input to the three-dimensional data synthesis unit 143.

The three-dimensional data synthesizing unit 143 receives three-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3. The three-dimensional data synthesizing unit 143 synthesizes the input map data and the three-dimensional object data input from the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit 144 to create a three-dimensional landscape map screen. The created three-dimensional landscape map screen is input to the display 5.

According to the above configuration, the two-dimensional object created by the two-dimensional object creation unit 145 is converted into three-dimensional data by the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit 144. The three-dimensional data is combined with the three-dimensional map data in the three-dimensional data combining unit 143. However, the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion part 144 is omitted from the display data synthesis part 42 in FIG.
Alternatively, a two-dimensional / three-dimensional image synthesizing unit may be provided in place of 43. Here, the two-dimensional / three-dimensional image synthesizing unit synthesizes the two-dimensional object created by the two-dimensional object creating unit 145 by pasting it on a three-dimensional landscape map screen. Specifically, the two-dimensional / three-dimensional image synthesizing unit converts the three-dimensional map data into screen coordinates, generates a three-dimensional landscape map screen, calculates the two-dimensional object screen coordinates, and generates the screen coordinates. Done 3
The two-dimensional data is synthesized with the two-dimensional landscape map screen. With this configuration, the shape of the object is always displayed parallel to the screen without being deformed as the viewpoint moves. Therefore, an object with good visibility can be displayed.

FIG. 28 shows the display data synthesizing section 42 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape created by the above. As shown in FIG. 28, an object indicating that construction is in progress is displayed on the left side of the figure, and an object indicating an accident is displayed in the center of the figure. The indicated object is displayed. The displayed object indicating the occurrence of traffic congestion,
As described above, according to the distance from the viewpoint coordinates, the closer to the front of the screen, the larger the display. Therefore, even when a two-dimensional object is used, it is possible to make the user feel depth in the three-dimensional landscape.

Finally, the display data synthesizing section 42 receives two-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution section 41 and two-dimensional map data from the map data storage section 3 and outputs a three-dimensional landscape image. A case where a map screen is generated will be described.

The display data synthesizing unit 42 for generating such a three-dimensional landscape map screen is different from the display data synthesizing unit 42 in FIG.
1 or the three-dimensional map data creation unit 147 in FIG.
Can be configured using the same components as described above.

[0189] That is, the display data synthesizing section 42 as described above includes a two-dimensional object creating section 145 which receives two-dimensional data from the object presentation information executing section 41 to create a two-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional object. A two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit 144 that receives data and converts it into three-dimensional coordinates, and a bird's-eye view data transformation unit that receives two-dimensional map data from the map data storage unit 3 and transforms it into bird's-eye-view map data. A three-dimensional object creation unit 142 for generating 141 or three-dimensional map data;
Three-dimensional map data from the bird's-eye view data deformation unit 141 or the three-dimensional object creation unit 142 and three-dimensional object data from the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit 144 are input and the three-dimensional data synthesis unit 14 synthesizes them.
3 is included. The operation of each component in the display data synthesizing section 42 is the same as that described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the display data synthesizing unit 42 receives two-dimensional data from the object presentation information execution unit 41 to generate a three-dimensional landscape map screen, the object model presentation information storage unit 6 And stores two-dimensional data having a smaller data amount than three-dimensional data. Therefore, the object model presentation information storage unit 6 can store more types of object data than the case of storing three-dimensional data, if it has a certain capacity, and if it stores the same type of data. , The capacity can be reduced.

Further, when the display data synthesizing unit 42 receives two-dimensional data from the object presentation information executing unit 41 and generates a three-dimensional landscape map screen, the user uses a two-dimensional object. Also, the information can be grasped intuitively. For example, if the user is traveling on a road and a traffic jam or an accident has occurred in the traveling direction, an object indicating that a traffic jam or an accident has occurred is displayed on the map screen of the three-dimensional landscape. This allows the user to intuitively grasp the information.

FIG. 29 is a diagram exemplifying a case where a two-dimensional object indicating that traffic congestion is occurring is displayed on a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape. As shown in FIG. 29, by displaying a plurality of objects indicating traffic congestion, it is possible to intuitively grasp that the traveling direction is congested.

FIG. 30 is a diagram exemplifying a case where a two-dimensional object indicating that an accident has occurred is displayed on a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape. As shown in FIG. 30, by displaying objects indicating a plurality of accidents, it is possible to intuitively grasp that an accident has occurred in the traveling direction.

Further, for example, when the user is traveling on a road and there is a road under construction in front, an object indicating that construction is underway is displayed on the three-dimensional landscape map screen. Thereby, the user can intuitively grasp the road under construction. Also, typically, when the viewpoint position moves forward, the size of the object is enlarged, so that the user can more intuitively grasp the road under construction.

FIG. 31 is a diagram exemplifying a case in which a two-dimensional object indicating that construction is underway is displayed on a three-dimensional landscape map screen. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a case where a two-dimensional object indicating that construction is underway is displayed on the three-dimensional landscape map screen when the viewpoint position is further moved forward from FIG. is there.
As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the user can more intuitively grasp the road under construction by expanding the size of the object with the progress of the viewpoint position.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 33, the navigation device includes an input unit 2, a map data storage unit 3, a map data synthesis unit 4, a display unit 5, an object model presentation information storage unit 6, a communication unit 7, and a position detection unit 9. And route selection unit 1
0 and a guiding unit 11.

Here, the input unit 2, the map data storage unit 3, the map data synthesis unit 4, the display unit 5, the object model presentation information storage unit 6, and the communication unit 7 in the navigation device shown in FIG. 1 performs substantially the same configuration and operation as the corresponding components in the map display device of FIG. The configurations and operations of the position detection unit 9, the route selection unit 10, and the guidance unit 11 in the navigation device of FIG. 33 are substantially the same as those of the corresponding components in the navigation device of FIG. Do.

The configuration of the navigation device shown in FIG. 33 as described above can be realized in a general computer system, like the map display device shown in FIG. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device in FIG. 33 realized in a general computer system.

Referring to FIG. 34, the navigation device includes a CPU 342, a ROM 343, and a RAM 344.
, An output unit 345, an input unit 346, and the position detection unit 34
9 and a communication unit 338. These are connected by a common bus. Here, the ROM 343 and the RAM 344 correspond to the ROM 333 and the RAM 3 in FIG.
Similarly to 34, a storage device using an external storage medium can be included.

[0200] The position detecting section 349 includes a GPS, a radio beacon receiver, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular speed sensor, an absolute direction sensor, and the like. Further, when the position detecting section 349 is configured by a radio wave or optical beacon receiving device and the radio wave or optical beacon signal includes the above-mentioned information from the outside, the communication section 338 is used. May be omitted. In that case, the function of the communication unit 7 in FIG. 33 is included in the position detection unit 349.

Referring to FIG. 34, the CPU 342 of the present navigation device includes a ROM 343 and / or a RAM 3
It operates according to the program stored in 44. Therefore, each function of the map data synthesis unit 4, the route selection unit 10, and the guidance unit 11 in FIG. 33 is realized by a corresponding program. In this case, the present navigation device typically implements a recording medium storing a program for controlling the software.
Of course, the present apparatus may use a program transmitted from a communication line.

[0202] Typically, the map data storage section 3 in FIG. However, all or a part of the map data storage unit 3 may be included in the RAM 344. Similarly, the object model presentation information storage unit is included in the RAM 344, but may be included in the ROM 343.

As described above, the navigation apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 33 has the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the parts that operate in the same manner as the conventional navigation apparatus. The operation is almost the same as that of the map display device. Hereinafter, a basic operation of the navigation device will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a basic processing flow of the navigation device according to the second embodiment. In step S51 of FIG. 35, the route selection unit 10 performs a route search by specifying the destination and the displayed map area from the input unit 2 and passing the own vehicle position from the position detection unit 9 to the guidance unit 11. Pass the route search result to.

Next, in step S52, the guiding unit 1
1 requests the map data synthesizing unit 4 to perform map data synthesizing display in order to display a map of a corresponding area corresponding to the vehicle position of the position detecting unit 9. Further, in step S53,
The map data synthesis unit 4 reads the map data from the map data storage unit 3. In step S54, the guiding unit 11
Reads the communication information from the communication unit 7 and passes it to the map data synthesis unit 4. In subroutine step S55,
The map data synthesizing unit 4 creates an object with reference to the read communication information and the information stored in the object model presentation information storage unit 6, and synthesizes the object with the map data.

Here, the processing from step S53 to subroutine step S55 in FIG. 35 substantially corresponds to the processing from step S11 to subroutine step S13 in FIG. Therefore, the details of the processing in subroutine step S55 in FIG. 35 are the same as the details of the processing in FIG. Therefore, the description of the above processing content is omitted.

Finally, in step S56 of FIG. 35, the guidance unit 11 continues the guidance and guidance until the vehicle reaches the destination from the own vehicle position of the position detection unit 9, so that the process returns to step S52. When the guiding unit 11 determines that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the guiding unit 11 ends the guidance.

As described above, in the navigation device according to the second embodiment, the user does not move his / her line of sight at the time of guidance, almost intuitively, as in the map display device according to the first embodiment. The information can be grasped, and the capacity of the storage medium for storing the object can be reduced while the amount of information to be transmitted and received is small.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a map display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 36, the present map display device includes an input unit 2, a map data storage unit 3, a map data synthesis unit 4,
A display unit 5, an object model presentation information storage unit 6,
A communication unit 7 and a time information storage unit 8 are provided. This map display device is different from the map display device of FIG. 1 in that a time information storage unit 8 is further provided. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the time information storage unit 8 will be described in detail.

The time information storage section 8 stores an optical disk (CD,
DVD), a hard disk, a semiconductor memory card such as an SD card, or the like, and stores time information having a correlation between time and place. That is, the time information refers to information that defines the correspondence between the location and the time in the form of a table or a mathematical expression for a moving body or the like whose position moves. Examples of such time information include a timetable, an operation table, and a diagram of trains, buses, airplanes, ships, and the like. The time information storage unit 8 may store the above time information in advance, or may store the time information received via the communication unit 7 in a new or updated manner.

FIG. 37 is a diagram exemplifying the contents of the time information stored in the time information storage unit 8 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 37, the time information here is data corresponding to a train timetable, and the inclusion relation of the data is represented by a tree structure. The train timetable data includes data for each type of railway company such as KT and KH. The data for each type of railway company is
Includes data for each station through which the railway company's train passes. Further, the data of each station includes latitude and longitude data where the station is located, a station ID number, and departure / arrival time table data created for each destination. The time information storage unit 8 outputs necessary data from the above data according to the request of the map data synthesis unit 4.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the operation of the map data synthesizing section 4 in FIG. Hereinafter, FIG.
The operation of the map data synthesizing unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
However, step S41 in FIG. 38 is the same as step S41 in FIG.
11 and step S43 in FIG. 38 correspond to step S1 in FIG.
2 and subroutine step S13 in FIG. 38 have substantially the same contents as subroutine step S13 in FIG. Therefore, description of steps having the same contents will be omitted, and only different steps will be described.

In subroutine step S42 of FIG. 38, map data synthesizing section 4 reads time information from time information storage section 8 and performs processing for displaying time information. Hereinafter, the process of the subroutine step S42 will be described.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a detailed process in subroutine step S42 in FIG. In step S421 in FIG. 39, the map data synthesis unit 4 reads time information related to the map display area from the time information storage unit 8. Specifically, the map data synthesis unit 4 calculates the latitude and longitude included in the map display area, compares the calculated latitude and longitude with the latitude and longitude of each station included in the time information, and extracts only the appropriate time information. OK, referring to the station ID number of each station included in the map display area,
Only matching time information may be extracted. For example, here, it is assumed that in the train timetable of FIG. 37, Tomio Station, Higashi Ikoma Station, and Ikoma Station of the KT Railway Company are included in the map display area.

Next, in step S422, the map data synthesizing unit 4 selects a train to be displayed by referring to the time information related to the map display area at the current time in the read time information. Specifically, the map data synthesizing unit 4 refers to time information including a time in a predetermined range based on the current time from the time information read from the time information storage unit 8. Then, the map data synthesizing unit 4 specifies all trains traveling in the map display area from the referenced time information.

For example, assuming that the current time is 8:00 am, the map data synthesizing unit 4 specifies the trains between 8:00 and 8:00 at Tomio Station, Higashi Ikoma Station, and Ikoma Station. Further, a method for specifying a train will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram for explaining a timetable corresponding to each station for each corresponding train. According to FIG.
The train leaves Higashi-Ikoma Station at 7:58 and arrives at Ikoma Station at 8: 0
Since the train arrives at No. 3, it is a train sandwiching the current time of 8:00. Similarly, the B train departs from Tomio Station at 7:59 and arrives at Higashi Ikoma Station at 8:02, so it is a train sandwiching the current time of 8:00. Thus, the map data synthesizing unit 4
Specifies all the trains that may pass through the map display area at approximately 8:00 of the current time. Therefore, in order to specify the position of a train that passes through a predetermined station, such as an express train, it is desirable that the timetable of the train that passes the train also include the time at which the train passes. However, even if the passage time is not described in the timetable, the time at which the train passes through the station can be estimated from the departure / arrival timetable related to the train and the positional relationship between the stations, so the passage time is not necessarily required. . Further, the timetable may be a train diagram for train operation control, or may be expressed by a mathematical expression that defines a position corresponding to time for each train.

Further, in step S423 in FIG. 39, the map data synthesizing unit 4 calculates display positions of all the selected trains from the corresponding time information. For example, the train A in FIG. 40 runs from Higashi-Ikoma Station to Ikoma Station, and it can be calculated from the timetable that the required time during that time is 5 minutes. Further, at the current time 8:00, A
Since two minutes have passed since the train departed from Higashi-Ikoma Station, the position of Train A was 2/5 from Higashi-Ikoma Station to Ikoma Station.
It turns out that it is a point advanced only. Therefore, the map data synthesizing unit 4 sets the latitude / longitude point of the corresponding link to A
Calculate the display position of the train. The display position of the B train is calculated in the same manner. Of course, the above is only an example, and a detailed timetable in which the time of each link is calculated in advance may be prepared, or the position of the corresponding train may be calculated by referring to a train diagram or a mathematical expression. Good. As described above, the map data synthesizing unit 4 generates display information such as the position and type of the train.

Next, in a subroutine step S13, an object is created with reference to the generated train display information and the information in the object model presentation information storage section 6, and is synthesized with map data. Subroutine step S1
The detailed processing of No. 3 is the same as the detailed processing of subroutine step S13 in FIG. 5 described above.

For example, when the object model presentation information for presenting a train is represented by a function as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the map data synthesizing unit 4 transmits the information of the corresponding train as described above. The display information is read and map data display space coordinates corresponding to the calculated train position are obtained. Further, the map data synthesizing unit 4 creates a train polygon or a train billboard suitable for the type of train (corresponding to the corresponding railway company, limited express, etc.) in the intermediate buffer and arranges the train polygon and the train billboard in the map data display space.

The map data synthesizing section 4 inputs the map screen generated through the above steps to the display 5.
The display 5 displays to the user a map screen on which a running train object (train polygon or train billboard) is arranged on a predetermined map. Therefore, for example, the user can more intuitively grasp the position and direction on the map by comparing the train object traveling on the displayed map screen with the surrounding scenery and the actually traveling train. it can.

If time information relating to the map display area can be received from the outside via the communication unit 7, step S421 in FIG. 39 can be omitted. Furthermore, when position information of a train or the like can be received from the outside via the communication unit 7, steps S421 and S422 in FIG. 39 can be omitted.

In addition, a position detecting unit 9, a route selecting unit 10 and a guiding unit 11 are added to the configuration of the map display device according to the present embodiment, and a navigation device having the same functions as the present map display device is provided. It can also be configured. That is, in the present map display device, the time information storage unit 8 is further provided in the map display device according to the first embodiment, but similarly, the time information storage unit 8 is further provided in the navigation system according to the second embodiment. If the time information storage unit 8 is provided, a navigation device having the same functions as the present map display device can be configured.

Note that the map display device according to the present embodiment
It may or may not have some or all of the functions unique to the map display device according to the first embodiment. Similarly, the navigation device to which the map display device according to the present embodiment is applied has some or all of the functions unique to the navigation device according to the second embodiment, or not. Is also good.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a map display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a map display device according to a first embodiment implemented in a general computer system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of a map data synthesis unit 4 in the map display device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of information sent from a communication unit 7 using a tree structure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of subroutine step S13 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram exemplifying and explaining the contents of object model presentation information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detailed specific example of object model presentation information corresponding to other information as shown in FIG. 4;

8 is a diagram for explaining a state in which information on the behavior of the spatiotemporal space in FIG. 7 is executed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying function names and function contents stored in an object model presentation information storage unit 6 and corresponding to traffic information.

FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying function names and function contents stored in an object model presentation information storage unit 6 and corresponding to emergency information, parking lot information, and inter-vehicle communication information.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of traffic congestion information transmitted from a VICS or the like via a communication unit 7;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a traffic jam information presentation function is executed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram exemplifying a correspondence table indicating a relationship with map data stored in a map data synthesis unit 4;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a map looking down from the sky in a direction perpendicular to a map plane in order to show a relationship between a placed car model and roads.

15 is a side view of the map shown in FIG. 14 as viewed from above ground in a direction from an interpolation point 544 to an interpolation point 543.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen generated by the map display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the map data synthesizing unit 4.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an object presentation information execution unit 41.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of a subroutine step S133.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a display data synthesizing unit 42 when a two-dimensional landscape is created.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a display data synthesis unit 42 that generates a bird's-eye view map screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a method of creating a bird's-eye view by performing perspective projection transformation on two-dimensional map data.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a bird's-eye view map screen generated by the display data synthesizing unit 42;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a display data synthesis unit that generates a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape different from a bird's-eye view.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a three-dimensional map data creation unit 147.

FIG. 26 is a display data synthesis in which two-dimensional data is input from the object presentation information execution unit 41 and three-dimensional map data is input from the map data storage unit 3 to generate a three-dimensional landscape map screen. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a unit 42.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of image files prepared as two-dimensional shape information included in object model presentation information.

28 is a diagram exemplifying a three-dimensional landscape map screen created by the display data synthesizing unit 42 in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a diagram exemplifying a case where a two-dimensional object indicating that congestion is occurring is displayed on a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a case where a two-dimensional object indicating that an accident has occurred is displayed on a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a case where a two-dimensional object indicating that construction is underway is displayed on a map screen of a three-dimensional landscape.

FIG. 32 is a diagram exemplifying a case where a two-dimensional object indicating that construction is underway is displayed on a three-dimensional landscape map screen when the viewpoint moves further forward from FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation device according to a second embodiment implemented in a general computer system.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a basic processing flow of the navigation device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a map display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram exemplifying the contents of time information stored in a time information storage unit 8;

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the operation of the map data synthesizing unit 4 of the map display device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a detailed process in subroutine step S42 of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating a timetable corresponding to each station for each corresponding train.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional map display device.

FIG. 42 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional navigation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 input unit 3 map data storage unit 4 map data synthesis unit 5 display 6 object model presentation information storage unit 7 communication unit 8 time information storage unit 9 position detection unit 10 route selection unit 11 guidance unit 40 central processing unit 41 object presentation information Execution unit 42 Display data synthesis unit 141 Bird's-eye view data transformation unit 142 3D object creation unit 143 3D data synthesis unit 144 2D / 3D coordinate conversion unit 145 2D object creation unit 146 2D data synthesis unit 147 3D map data Creation unit 332 CPU 333 ROM 334 RAM 335 Output unit 336 Input unit 338 Communication unit 342 CPU 343 ROM 344 RAM 345 Output unit 346 Input unit 348 Communication unit 349 Position detection unit 411 Object presentation information control unit 412 Interpretation execution unit 1471 Height · Width information applying section 1472 three-dimensional polygon generation unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09B 29/00 G09B 29/00 A 29/10 29/10 A (72) Inventor Teruaki Ata Kadoma, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor: Atsushi Yamashita 1006 Kadoma, Kazuma, Osaka Prefecture

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. A map display device for composing and displaying communication information transmitted from the outside of a device as an object having a predetermined shape on a map, comprising: an input unit for inputting an instruction from a user; A map data storage unit that stores in advance, an object model presentation information storage unit that stores object model presentation information for presenting the object on the map, a communication unit that receives the transmitted communication information, A map data synthesizing unit for generating the object by interpreting the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information input from the object model presentation information storage unit, and synthesizing the object on the map; A display unit for displaying a map screen to a user. 2. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the communication information includes information that changes with time. 3. The map display device according to claim 2, wherein the information that changes over time is plural. 4. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the communication information includes traffic information. 5. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the communication information includes advertisement information. 6. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the communication information includes position information corresponding to a predetermined position on the map. 7. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the object model presentation information includes information on a shape of the object and information on a spatiotemporal behavior of the object. 8. The map display device according to claim 7, wherein the information on the spatio-temporal behavior of the object is described using an object-oriented interpreted language that can be executed without compilation. . 9. The information related to the spatio-temporal behavior of the object includes an execution condition and an execution function.
The map display device according to claim 7. 10. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the map data synthesizing unit synthesizes the generated object in relation to a road included in the map. 11. The map display device according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of the objects are generated and arranged along the road. 12. An object presentation information execution unit that interprets and executes the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information input from the object model presentation information storage unit, and the object presentation information. The map display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an object creating unit configured to generate the object by receiving an execution result of the execution unit; and a data combining unit configured to combine the object on the map. 13. The map data synthesis unit further includes a three-dimensional map creation unit that creates a three-dimensional map based on map information of two-dimensional data input from the map data storage unit, 13. The map display device according to claim 12, wherein the object is combined with the object on a map created by the three-dimensional map creating unit. 14. The map data synthesis unit further includes a two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit that converts a two-dimensional object generated by the object creation unit into a three-dimensional object. 13. The map display device according to claim 12, wherein the three-dimensional object converted by the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit is synthesized on the map. 15. A time information storage unit for storing time information corresponding to a position of a moving body that periodically travels on a predetermined route, wherein the map data synthesizing unit further refers to the time information, Generating the object corresponding to the moving object;
The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the map is synthesized on the map. 16. The map data synthesizing unit refers to the time information, selects only an object corresponding to the moving object to be displayed on the map screen at a current time, and selects a current object of the selected object. 16. The map display device according to claim 15, wherein a position on the map at a time is calculated and synthesized on the map. 17. A navigation device that displays communication information transmitted from outside the device as an object having a predetermined shape on a map and guides the user to a destination, wherein an instruction from a user is input. An input unit, a position detection unit that detects a current position, a map data storage unit that stores map information in advance, and an object model presentation information that stores object model presentation information for presenting the object on the map in advance. A storage unit, based on the instruction input from the input unit, the current position detected by the position detection unit, and the map information stored in the map data storage unit, based on the route to the destination, A route selection unit to select, a communication unit to receive the transmitted communication information, the communication information and the object model presentation information A map data synthesizing unit for interpreting the corresponding object model presentation information input from the storage unit, generating the object, and synthesizing the object on the map, the communication information received by the communication unit, and the route selection unit The route selected by the above, the current position detected by the position detection unit, and the map information from the map data storage unit are input to generate guidance for reaching a destination, and A navigation device, comprising: a guide unit that outputs a map screen combined by a data combining unit; and a display unit that displays the map screen input from the guide unit to a user. 18. The navigation device according to claim 17, wherein the object model presentation information includes information on a shape of the object and information on a spatiotemporal behavior of the object. 19. The navigation device according to claim 18, wherein the information on the spatiotemporal behavior of the object is described using an object-oriented interpreted language that can be executed without compilation. 20. The navigation device according to claim 18, wherein the information on the behavior of the object in time and space includes an execution condition and an execution function. 21. The navigation device according to claim 17, wherein the map data synthesizing unit synthesizes the generated object in relation to a road included in the map. 22. The navigation device according to claim 21, wherein a plurality of the objects are generated and arranged along the road. 23. An object presentation information execution unit that interprets and executes the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information input from the object model presentation information storage unit, and the object presentation information. The navigation device according to claim 17, further comprising: an object creating unit that receives the execution result of the execution unit to generate the object, and a data combining unit that combines the object on the map. 24. The map data synthesizing unit further includes a three-dimensional map creator that creates a three-dimensional map based on map information of two-dimensional data input from the map data storage unit, The navigation apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the object is combined with the map created by the three-dimensional map creating unit. 25. The map data synthesis unit further includes a two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit that converts a two-dimensional object generated by the object creation unit into a three-dimensional object. 24. The navigation device according to claim 23, wherein a three-dimensional object converted by a two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit is synthesized on the map. 26. A vehicle according to claim 26, further comprising: a time information storage unit for storing in advance time information corresponding to a position of the moving object which periodically travels on a predetermined route, wherein said map data synthesizing unit further refers to said time information. Generating the object corresponding to the moving object;
18. The navigation device according to claim 17, wherein the composition is performed on the map. 27. The map data synthesizing unit selects only an object corresponding to the moving object to be displayed in the map screen at a current time with reference to the time information, and selects a current object of the selected object. 27. The navigation device according to claim 26, wherein a position on the map at a time is calculated and synthesized on the map. 28. A map display method for combining and displaying communication information transmitted from outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map, comprising: an input step of receiving an instruction from a user; A communication step of receiving the communication information; interpreting object information presentation information for presenting the communication information and the corresponding object on the map, generating the object, and synthesizing map data on the map And a display step of displaying a map screen synthesized in the map data synthesis step to a user.
Map display method. 29. An object presentation information execution step of interpreting and executing the communication information and the corresponding object model presentation information, and generating the object from an execution result in the object presentation information execution step. 29. The map display method according to claim 28, further comprising: an object creating step of combining the object; and a data combining step of combining the object on the map. 30. The map data synthesizing step further includes a three-dimensional map creation step of creating a three-dimensional map based on the map information of two-dimensional data, wherein the data synthesis step is the three-dimensional map creation step. 30. The map display method according to claim 29, wherein the object is synthesized on the map created in step (a). 31. The map data synthesizing step further includes a two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion step of converting the two-dimensional object created in the object creating step into a three-dimensional object. 30. The map display method according to claim 29, wherein the three-dimensional object converted in the two-dimensional / three-dimensional coordinate conversion step is synthesized on the map. 32. The map data synthesizing step generates the object corresponding to the moving object with reference to time information corresponding to the position of the moving object that periodically operates a predetermined route, and generates the object on the map. Characterized by being synthesized into
The map display method according to claim 28. 33. A navigation method for composing and displaying communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map, comprising: an input step of inputting an instruction from a user; A communication step of receiving communication information; a position detection step of detecting a current position; and generating the object by interpreting the communication information and object model presentation information for presenting the corresponding object on the map; A map data synthesizing step of synthesizing on the map, the instruction input in the input step, the current position detected in the position detecting step,
A route selection step of selecting a route to a destination based on the map information; and the communication information received in the communication step;
The route selected in the route selecting step;
A guidance step of generating a guidance to a destination based on the current position detected in the position detection step and the map information, and outputting a map screen synthesized in the map data synthesis step; Displaying the map screen output in the guiding step to a user. 34. An object model presentation for presenting the communication information and the object on the map, to a map display device for composing and displaying communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. Executing an object presentation information execution step of interpreting and executing information; an object creation step of generating the object from an execution result in the object presentation information execution step; and a data synthesis step of synthesizing the object on the map. Readable recording medium on which a program for recording is recorded. 35. An object model presentation for presenting the communication information and the corresponding object on a map to a navigation device that synthesizes and displays communication information transmitted from outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. A map data synthesizing step of interpreting information to generate the object and synthesize the object on the map; selecting a route to a destination based on an instruction input by a user, a current position, and map information. A route selecting step; generating guidance for reaching a destination based on the communication information, the route selected in the route selecting step, the current position, and the map information; Recording a program for executing a guidance step of outputting a map screen synthesized in the step. Computer readable recording medium. 36. An object model presentation for presenting the communication information and the object on the map, on a map display device for composing and displaying communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. Executing an object presentation information execution step of interpreting and executing information; an object creation step of generating the object from an execution result in the object presentation information execution step; and a data synthesis step of synthesizing the object on the map. Computer program for. 37. An object model presentation for presenting the communication information and the corresponding object on a map to a navigation device that synthesizes and displays communication information transmitted from the outside as an object having a predetermined shape on a map. A map data synthesizing step of interpreting information to generate the object and synthesize the object on the map; selecting a route to a destination based on an instruction input by a user, a current position, and map information. A route selecting step; generating guidance for reaching a destination based on the communication information, the route selected in the route selecting step, the current position, and the map information; And a guiding step of outputting a map screen synthesized in the step. Ram.