JP2001330458A - Automobile navigation system and computer readable recording medium with map information recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automobile navigation system which can improve an ease of use and a computer readable recording medium with map information recorded. SOLUTION: Map data including information for specifying an access intersection appropriate to access the facility and an exit intersection appropriate to exit from the facility and information related to a vehicle exit/entrance to the facility are recorded as accompanying information of the facility in a DVD 2. Map data read out upon necessities are stored in a map buffer 10. When various facilities are set as destinations of a route search, a route search process part 32 sets as guide routes a route to the access intersection corresponding to the facility and a route to the vehicle exit/entrance from the access intersection. Also when various facilities are set as departure points of the route search, the route search process part 32 sets as guide routes a route from the vehicle exit/entrance to the facility to the exit intersection and a route extending along a road not including the vehicle exit/entrance from the exit intersection.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device for performing various processes such as map display and route search, and a computer-readable recording medium for recording map information used in a navigation device and a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an on-vehicle navigation device detects a current position of a vehicle and displays a map image in the vicinity thereof, a map display function for displaying a map image around an arbitrary location on a screen, It has a route search / guidance function for searching for an optimal route connecting the departure place and the destination, and guiding the vehicle according to the route obtained by this search operation. In such various functions, when a user searches for a desired facility or the like and designates the destination as a route search destination, a typical method is to scroll a map on a screen according to a user operation. Then, there is a method of specifying a desired facility or the like after displaying it on the screen, a method of displaying a list of facilities by genre, and selecting and specifying a desired facility or the like from the list.

[0003]

In a conventional navigation device, when a desired facility or the like is designated as a route search destination, coordinates of the designated facility on a map (latitude / longitude) are used. Based on the search for the route to the road closest to these coordinates, there were restrictions on turning left and right when actually exiting from the departure point, and restrictions on turning left and right when entering the destination. Was not taken into account. Therefore, it is not possible to perform an appropriate route search in consideration of a case where the user escapes from the departure place or a case where the user enters the destination, and it is not convenient.

[0004] For example, if a road passes on both sides of a target facility and only one road has a vehicle entrance to this facility, and the distance between the other road and the facility is shorter, Since the other road is guided near the destination of the guidance route, after arriving at this point, it may be necessary to search for a vehicle entrance / exit of the destination. In addition, there is a case where a destination cannot be turned right due to a median strip or the like because there is a destination on the right side in the traveling direction, or there are many lanes in the opposite lane, and the right turn is not easy due to chronic traffic congestion. Similarly, even when the facility is set as the departure point, restrictions on turning right and left are not taken into account, so if a guidance route to exit the vehicle entrance and turn right is set, the road adjacent to this vehicle entrance In some cases, it is not easy to make a right turn because there is a median strip and it is not possible to make a right turn, or there are many lanes in the opposite lane to cross.

A method of displaying a list of facilities by category and selecting a desired facility or the like from the list is not limited to selecting a destination for a route search, but also a facility (for example, a convenience store) to be stopped during traveling. It is also used when a user simply wants to search for a store (for example, when he wants to stop at a store). However, in the conventional navigation device, when searching for the nearest facility by specifying the genre, the facility of the specific genre is searched in the order of shortest linear distance around the own vehicle position,
No consideration was given as to whether the vehicle was along the current road. Therefore, even when the nearest facility searched in this way is provided, it is not always the case that the facility is easily accessible, and it is not easy to use.

Further, in the conventional navigation device, for example, when it is desired to search for a route avoiding the entire area, such as in a downtown area or a recreation area, or when the area is designated as a destination. A user who cannot perform a route search or obtain guidance information for such an area and desires a route search or guidance according to such a general purpose is not convenient. Was. Therefore, in order to perform such a route search, it is necessary to set a transit point included in a specific area, or conversely, to set a transit point to avoid a specific area, which complicates the operation.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device capable of improving usability and a computer-readable recording medium recording map information. It is in.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a navigation device according to the present invention, as accompanying information of a facility, has an approach intersection suitable for approaching the facility and a suitable approach for exiting from the facility. Map data including information specifying at least one of the escape intersections is stored in a map data storage unit, and a predetermined navigation process is performed by a navigation processing unit based on the accompanying information of the facility included in the map data. By simply specifying the desired facility, it is possible to know the entry intersection suitable for entering this facility or the exit intersection suitable for exiting from this facility, so various navigation processes taking into account the road conditions around the facility are easy. And the usability can be improved.

It is desirable that the above-mentioned accompanying information further includes information on a vehicle entrance and exit of the facility. Since information on the vehicle doorway can be provided to a user who does not know the position of the vehicle doorway at a facility or the like visited for the first time, the usability can be further improved.

[0010] Further, the navigation processing performed by the above-described navigation processing means is a route search processing. When the facility is set as the destination, the navigation processing means sets a route including an approach intersection, and the facility is set. When the route is set as the departure place, it is desirable to set a route including the escape intersection. Each facility has information that specifies an entry intersection suitable for entry and an exit intersection suitable for exit, so simply perform a route search process to include these entry intersections and exit intersections as passing points. Without complicating, attributes associated with the roads around the facility (e.g., traffic restrictions, presence of a median, number of lanes,
It is possible to obtain an appropriate guidance route in consideration of a passing cost.

Further, the navigation processing performed by the navigation processing means is a route search processing, and when the facility is set as the destination, the navigation processing means sets a route from the entry intersection to a vehicle from the entry intersection to the vehicle entrance. When a route is set and the facility is set as a departure place, it is desirable to set a route from the vehicle entrance to the escape intersection and a route extending from the escape intersection along a road not including the vehicle entrance. Since the route to the vehicle entrance is set in addition to the route to the intersection,
A desired route to the vehicle entrance can be guided, and the usability can be further improved. Similarly, a desired route from the vehicle entrance to the escape intersection can be guided in addition to the route ahead from the escape intersection, so that usability can be further improved.

Further, the navigation apparatus of the present invention stores map data including information for specifying the nearest road in contact with the vehicle entrance of the facility in the map data storage means as accompanying information of the facility, and stores the map data in the map data storage means. The predetermined navigation processing is performed by the navigation processing means based on the accompanying information of the included facility. For each facility, since it is possible to know the nearest roads that can enter and exit these facilities, it is possible to easily extract only the facilities existing along the road on which the vehicle is traveling, Can be improved.

Further, the navigation processing performed by the above-described navigation processing means is a guidance operation for facilities existing along the road of interest, and when the road of interest includes the nearest road described above, the navigation processing means It is desirable to extract a facility corresponding to the nearest road as a guidance target facility. When providing facility guidance, it is easy to target only those along the road of interest, such as driving roads and guidance routes, so it is easy to narrow down the guidance target and simplify the operation Can improve usability.

Further, the navigation apparatus of the present invention is set in units of figures divided by longitude and latitude, and is specified by specifying map data necessary for display and route search and a plurality of intersections. The detailed data of the facility which is set in units of the predetermined area and corresponds to the predetermined theme is stored in the data storage means, and the predetermined navigation processing is performed by the navigation processing means in consideration of the entire predetermined area. . In consideration of the entire predetermined area, it is possible to perform predetermined navigation processing such as route search and provision of guidance information according to a rough purpose, so that usability can be improved.

Further, the navigation processing performed by the above-described navigation processing means is a route search processing, and the navigation processing means can set a route that travels preferentially in a predetermined area or a path that avoids traveling in a predetermined area. desirable. For example, the predetermined area is "downtown"
Considering the case where it is set according to the theme of, for example, there are cases where you want to drive downtown with priority or conversely, you want to avoid the entire downtown to avoid traffic congestion etc. A route search considering the entire area can be easily performed.

Further, the navigation processing performed by the above-described navigation processing means is a guide operation of a theme corresponding to a predetermined area, and the navigation processing means displays information about the theme when the traveling position approaches the predetermined area. It is desirable to provide guidance using at least one of a voice and voice. When there is a predetermined area such as a downtown area or a recreation area at a position close to the traveling position of the vehicle, the contents of the theme corresponding to that area can be known through images and sounds, so that The range of choices can be expanded, and usability can be further improved.

Further, the computer-readable recording medium for recording map information according to the present invention is set in units of maps divided by longitude and latitude, and contains map data necessary for display and route search. The map information is set in units of a predetermined area specified by designating an intersection, and includes detailed data of facilities corresponding to a predetermined theme. Then, a first data area in which map data is stored and a second data area in which detailed data is stored are separately provided, and when the theme increases or decreases, the first data area is stored in the first data area. The detailed data stored in the second data area can be changed without changing the map data.

A normal navigation operation is performed by reading map data in units of map leaves,
Map information that can respond to the user's request because it is possible to perform other navigation operations using detailed data by theme in units of a predetermined area specified using a plurality of specified intersections Is easy to make. Therefore, usability is improved for a user who intends to purchase the recording medium and perform the navigation processing. Further, since the first data area for storing the map data and the second data area for storing the detailed data are separated, the map data may be changed when only the detailed data is changed in this recording medium. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to make any modifications to the recording medium, and that the cost can also be reduced by designing, manufacturing, and selling the recording medium by reducing the design labor.

In particular, the detailed data described above corresponds to one or a plurality of facilities included in a predetermined area,
It is desirable to include information for specifying at least one of an approach intersection suitable for approach to each facility and an escape intersection suitable for escape. Further, it is desirable that the above-described detailed data includes information on a vehicle entrance of each facility corresponding to one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area. Since it is possible to know the entry intersection, the exit intersection, and the vehicle entrance corresponding to the facility, it is possible to use such information to perform a navigation process such as a route search in consideration of an actual road condition and the like. Usability of the navigation device and the like can be improved.

The detailed data described above corresponds to one or a plurality of facilities included in a predetermined area, respectively.
It is desirable to include information for specifying the nearest road in contact with the vehicle entrance of each facility. For each facility, it is possible to know the nearest roads that can enter and exit these facilities, so that it is possible to easily extract only the facilities existing along the road on which the vehicle runs, and Usability of a navigation device or the like using a medium can be improved.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (1) Overall Configuration of Navigation Apparatus FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The navigation device shown in FIG. 1 includes a navigation controller 1 for controlling the whole, a DVD 2 on which map information necessary for map display and route search is recorded, a disk reading device 3 for reading the map information recorded on the DVD 2, A remote control (remote control) unit 4 as an operation unit for a user to input various instructions; a GPS receiver 5 and an autonomous navigation sensor 6 for detecting a vehicle position and a vehicle azimuth; And an audio unit 8 that outputs a predetermined guidance voice when performing route guidance or the like.

The above-described disk reading device 3 can load one or a plurality of DVDs 2 and reads out map information from any one of the DVDs 2 under the control of the navigation controller 1. The loaded disk is not necessarily a DVD, but may be a CD. Alternatively, both a DVD and a CD may be selectively loaded.

The remote control unit 4 includes a search key for giving a route search instruction, a route guidance mode key used for setting a route guidance mode, a destination input key, up / down / left / right cursor keys, a map reduction / enlargement key, and a display screen. Various operation keys such as a setting key for fixing the item at the upper cursor position are provided, and an infrared signal corresponding to the operation state of the key is transmitted to the navigation controller 1.

The GPS receiver 5 receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites, performs three-dimensional positioning processing or two-dimensional positioning processing, and calculates the absolute position and direction of the vehicle (vehicle direction is the current Is calculated based on the own vehicle position and the own vehicle position one sampling time ΔT before), and these are output together with the positioning time. The autonomous navigation sensor 6 includes an angle sensor such as a vibrating gyroscope that detects the vehicle rotation angle as a relative direction, and a distance sensor that outputs one pulse every predetermined traveling distance. Calculate the bearing.

The display device 7 displays a map image around the own vehicle together with a vehicle position mark, a departure point mark, a destination mark, etc., based on the drawing data output from the navigation controller 1, or guides the user on this map. For example, displaying route and intersection guidance information. The audio unit 8 outputs various sounds such as a guidance sound for an intersection where the vehicle is approaching.

(2) Map information recorded on DVD 2
Description will now be described in detail of the map information recorded on the DVD 2. The map information recorded on the DVD 2 includes map data in which contents are set in units of rectangular figures separated by predetermined longitude and latitude, and a plurality of intersections regardless of the size of the figures. And detailed data whose contents are set in units of a predetermined area specified by.

(2-1) Map Data The map data whose contents are set in units of figures are specified by designating the figure numbers, and can be read out. The map data for each map leaf includes drawing units consisting of various data necessary for map display, road units consisting of data necessary for various processes such as map matching, route search, and route guidance, and intersections. An intersection unit consisting of detailed data is included.

The road unit includes data necessary for various processes such as map matching, route search, and route guidance for each road. In the road unit, a line connecting any two points on the road is called a link, and an adjacent point connecting two or more links is called a node. The road unit includes data such as the road attribute of the link, the cost required for passing through the link, and the latitude / longitude of the node.

The intersection unit is composed of detailed data of the intersection. For example, the intersection unit includes data such as the latitude / longitude of the intersection, the number of lanes, and a character string of a name. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic content of a road unit. As shown in FIG. 2, road units include:
A unit header for identifying a road unit, a connection node table storing detailed data of all nodes, a node table indicating a storage position of the connection node table, and a link specified by two adjacent nodes. And a link table containing detailed data.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of various tables included in the road unit. As shown in FIG. 3A, the node table includes node records # 0, # 1,... Corresponding to all the nodes included in the target leaf.
Is stored. Each node record is #
Node numbers are given in order from 0, and indicate the storage position of the connection node table corresponding to each node.

FIG. 3B shows the connection node table.
For each of the existing nodes, a. Normalized longitude / latitude, b. An intersection node flag indicating whether or not this node is an intersection node, an adjacent node flag indicating whether or not this is a node at a boundary with another figure leaf, and whether or not a link has branched at this node. If so, a “node attribute flag” including, for example, branch road information indicating whether the shape of the branch corresponds to a T-junction or a Y-junction; c. "The number of connected nodes" indicating the number of nodes forming the other end of each link when there is a link having this node as one end of the link; d. No right turn or U
If there are traffic restrictions such as turn prohibition, the "number of traffic restrictions", e. Connection node records for the number of links indicating the link number of each link having this node at one end; f. A traffic regulation record indicating the specific content of the traffic regulation corresponding to the number of the traffic regulations, if any, g. If this node is a node at a boundary with another figure leaf, an “adjacent node record” indicating the position of the connection node table of the corresponding node of the neighboring figure leaf, h. If this node is an intersection node, the storage location and size of the corresponding intersection record in the intersection unit are included.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the link table includes a plurality of link records in the order of link numbers corresponding to all the links included in the target figure. Each of these link records: a. A link ID, which is a code assigned to each link mainly for displaying a search route, b. Node number 1 and node number 2 identifying the two nodes located at both ends of the link; c. Link distance, d. The cost of traveling on this link, e. Various road attribute flags including attribute information of the road associated with this link (whether or not there is one-way traffic); f. A road type flag indicating the type of road such as whether the actual road corresponding to this link is an expressway or a general road, and the width of the road such as how many meters the road is; g. The route number assigned to the road corresponding to this link is included.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection unit. As shown in FIG. 4, the intersection unit forms, for each intersection, an intersection record including data on the intersection itself, an intersection direction information record including data on a destination of a road extending from the intersection, and the like. An intersection lane information record or the like including data on each lane of the road is stored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection record. As shown in FIG. 5, each intersection record is:
For each of the existing intersections: a. An "intersection information flag" including a signal flag indicating whether or not a signal is standing at this intersection; b. "Number of differences at intersection" indicating how many differences this intersection is, c. Display coordinates for displaying the intersection name; d. Intersection name string to be displayed, e. The link ID of each link constituting the intersection, the storage position of the intersection direction information record corresponding to the link (for the number of roads at the intersection), and the like are included.

(2-2) Detailed Data The detailed data set for each predetermined area specified by designating a plurality of intersections relates to a facility corresponding to a predetermined theme, and the user is interested in the detailed data. It is assumed that the content that the user has or wants even if the user pays for it. As the set theme, "downtown", "festival", "foliage hunting", "natural scenery" and the like are set. The above-mentioned map data and detailed data are stored on a DVD.
It is stored separately in two different storage areas, and when the detailed data corresponding to the increase or decrease of the theme changes, the contents of the detailed data are changed without changing the contents or storage position of the map data You can do it. Therefore, the DVD 2 in which the map information is stored
Manufacturers and sellers can minimize the range of design changes when increasing or decreasing themes by changing specifications according to the requirements of the purchaser of the DVD2. Further, the DVD 2 storing only the map data is generally marketed, and the labor required for manufacturing the navigation device and designing the DVD 2 to which the detailed data prepared for each dealer is added is greatly reduced.

FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a predetermined area set corresponding to each theme. As shown in the figure, for example, the location range of a downtown area where various stores such as restaurants are concentrated is set as a downtown area 200 as shown by hatching. Similarly, a range in which autumn leaves hunting can be enjoyed is set as an autumn leaves hunting area 210 as shown by hatching. The same applies to other themes. A predetermined area based on each theme is set, such as a festival area where a festival is performed, a natural scenery area where a beautiful natural scenery can be viewed, and the like. Further, such a predetermined area corresponding to each theme is set by specifying a plurality of intersections and specifying the outer periphery thereof. Intersections necessary to specify the predetermined area include pseudo intersections. A pseudo-intersection is a pseudo-intersection in which a point corresponding to an appropriate longitude and latitude is treated as an intersection when an intersection cannot be designated. For example, in a case where the backside of a station immediately becomes a coastline, a point on the coastline is treated as a pseudo intersection when specifying a predetermined area including this station.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of detailed data set for each theme. As shown in FIG.
The detailed data corresponding to the two themes includes a header information table, an entrance / exit coordinate point table, an interpolation coordinate point table, an area data table, a road data table, an area peripheral coordinate point table, an intersection data table, an intersection name table, an intersection image table, It includes an intersection restriction table, a bookstore data table, a movie data table, a parking lot data table, a meeting place data table, a theater entertainment hall data table, a toilet data table, an ATM data table, and a facility image table.

(2-2-1) Header Information Table FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the header information table. The header information table is used as an index of detailed data, and corresponds to each theme. Facility ID identifying each facility, b. Theme corresponding to the area to which this facility belongs (for example,
Theme type indicating "downtown" or the like; c. An area number that is a serial number (eg, downtown area # 0, # 1, # 2,...) Assigned to each theme corresponding to this area; d. A facility type indicating a genre to which the facility belongs, such as a parking lot, a movie theater, a bank, etc. e. Facility name string or name reading kana string, f. Facility phone and postal code g. A prefecture code indicating the prefecture to which the location of the facility belongs, h. A municipality code indicating the municipality to which the location of the facility belongs, i. An address character string of the location of the facility and an address reading kana character string, j. An image presence / absence flag indicating presence / absence of a facility image file; k. Acquisition coordinates indicating the location of the facility in latitude and longitude; l. A peripheral search flag indicating whether or not it is inappropriate to enter the location of the facility with a vehicle is included.

In the present embodiment, if it is inappropriate to drive to the facility by a vehicle, for example, because the location of the facility faces an arcade street, the route guidance to the facility is provided. Instead, a nearby parking lot around the facility is searched. Whether or not it is necessary to search for a parking lot near the facility in order to perform such a process is specified by the above-described “surrounding search flag”.
For a facility where this flag is set, a nearby parking lot is automatically searched during route search, and the searched parking lot is set as a destination.

(2-2-2) Doorway Coordinate Point Table FIG. 9
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an entrance / exit coordinate point table. The entrance / exit coordinate point table is used to store information when entering or exiting each facility. For each facility, a. Facility ID, b. A serial number that is a number assigned to all vehicle entrances and exits of the facility of interest; c. Entrance / exit coordinates indicating the vehicle entrance by latitude / longitude, d. Nearest road ID used to identify a road (nearest road) contacting the vehicle entrance, e. An entry intersection ID used to identify the entry intersection; f. An escape intersection ID used to identify an escape intersection is included.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the entrance coordinates, the entrance intersection, the exit intersection, and the facilities included in the entrance coordinate point table shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, for each facility, “acquisition coordinates” indicating the location of the facility,
`` Entrance coordinates '' indicating the position on the nearest road when entering and exiting from the vehicle entrance of the facility, `` entrance intersection '' indicating an intersection suitable for entering the facility, `` escape intersection '' indicating an intersection suitable for exiting from the facility, Are specified.

Of the four points described above, the acquired coordinates are those that have been conventionally used for searching for the nearest facility, and are included in the map data. Therefore, as for the other entrance / exit coordinates, approach intersections, and exit intersections, those included in the detailed data of the map information are used.

The above-mentioned entrance intersection and exit intersection are basically set so that the vehicle can enter the vehicle entrance and exit by turning left and exit from the vehicle entrance and exit by turning left. However, if there are traffic restrictions such as one-way traffic on the road passing in front of the facility, and it is not possible to enter and exit by turning left from the vehicle entrance of the facility, enter the intersection as appropriate according to the situation And an escape intersection is set. When there are a plurality of vehicle entrances and exits in the facility, entrance / exit coordinates, approach intersections, and exit intersections are set corresponding to the respective vehicle entrances.

As described above, when only the acquired coordinates are used, the route search to the adjacent road is performed without considering the position of the vehicle entrance, so that the route guidance to the vicinity of the destination is performed. Even then, in some cases, the user himself had to search for the vehicle entrance of the facility. However, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reliably set the traveling route to the approaching intersection by the route search. Moreover, by setting a route connecting the entry intersection and the position specified by the entrance / exit coordinates, it is possible to reliably perform route guidance to the vehicle entrance / exit of the facility. In particular, when searching for a route to the vehicle entrance of the facility in this way,
Since the route search is performed including the entry intersection and the exit intersection set in consideration of the traveling direction at the time of entry and exit, for example, a right turn is performed on a road with a large traffic volume to enter and exit various facilities And the like can be avoided as much as possible, and a route that is easy to travel can be set.

(2-2-3) Interpolated coordinate point table Depending on the facility, there is a case where the vehicle travels back and forth through a narrow street that branches off from a road to be searched. In such a case, even if the above-described entrance / exit coordinates are set on the road on which the route is to be searched, there is a case where it is not possible to know how to travel further to reach the facility. For this purpose, an interpolation coordinate point table is prepared.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the interpolation coordinate point table. The interpolated coordinate point table is for specifying one or a plurality of interpolated coordinate points set on a narrow street connecting a facility and the corresponding entrance / exit coordinates. For each facility, a. Facility ID, b. A serial number, c. The longitude of the interpolated coordinate point, d. The latitude of the interpolation coordinate point is included. When there are a plurality of interpolation coordinate points, the number of interpolation coordinate points is set by the number of interpolation coordinate points obtained by combining the longitude and the latitude of the interpolation coordinate points. When a facility exists adjacent to a road to be searched for, there is no interpolation coordinate point corresponding to the facility, so the interpolation coordinate point table itself shown in FIG. 11 does not exist.

(2-2-4) Facility Image Table FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the facility image table. The facility image table is used to store image information in addition to character information when providing detailed guidance of a facility or the like. Facility ID, b. A serial number assigned to an image prepared for the facility of interest, c. Image files. There may be multiple image files. When there is no image file corresponding to the facility of interest, the facility image table itself shown in FIG. 12 does not exist.

(2-2-5) Area Data Table FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the details of the area data table. The area data table stores schematic information for each predetermined area set corresponding to each theme, and for each area: a. An area ID, which is index information added for information search, b. A theme type indicating a theme (for example, "downtown") corresponding to the area; c. Representative point coordinates (latitude / longitude) indicating the position of the intersection which is the representative point of the area; d. Guidance timing information indicating temporal timing such as a time, date and time, day of the week, and time zone when a guidance operation using detailed data corresponding to this area becomes effective; e. A symbol image file storing an image serving as a symbol of the region (for example, a maple mark or the like in the case of the "foliage picking region"); f. Area outline information including image data and audio data for explaining the outline of the area is included.

(2-2-6) Area Peripheral Coordinate Point Table FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the detailed contents of the area peripheral coordinate point table. The area periphery coordinate point table is
This is for storing information that defines the outer periphery of an area. For each area, a. Area ID, b. A serial number assigned to each of a plurality of intersections that define the outer periphery of the area; c. An intersection ID that specifies each of a plurality of intersections that define the outer periphery of the area is included. As described above, the range of each area is defined by specifying a plurality of intersections and specifying the outer periphery thereof. Also, at these intersections,
Pseudo intersections are also included.

(2-2-7) Road Data Table FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing detailed contents of a road data table.
The road data table is for storing detailed information of roads in the area, and for each road, a. Road ID which is common index information, b. A start intersection ID and an end intersection ID identifying two intersections located at both ends of the road; c. A median strip presence flag indicating the presence or absence of a median strip; e. An adopted name character string indicating a name given to the road (for example, “XX street”), an adopted name reading kana character string, f. Various regulations corresponding to roads, specifically, a date, a day of the week, a time, a regulation date and time indicating information on each vehicle type, a regulation day of the week, a regulation time, a regulation vehicle type, and the like are included. Although such information on roads was partially included in conventional map data, in the present embodiment, when creating detailed data of each area, the investigator actually surveyed each road, It is set based on the result. This is the same for other various data. For example, doorway coordinates and entrance intersections included in the above-mentioned doorway coordinate point table,
Regarding escape intersections, investigators actually survey the area around the facility and create these data.

(2-2-8) Intersection Data Table FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the details of the intersection data table. The intersection data table is for storing detailed information of intersections in the area, and for each intersection: a. Intersection ID that is common index information, b. An intersection type indicating whether or not this intersection corresponds to the outer periphery of the area; c. Intersection name classification used to specify an intersection name table including the names of intersections, etc. d. An intersection image section used to specify an intersection image table including an image of an intersection; e. An intersection regulation category used to identify an intersection regulation table that contains regulation information about the intersection; f. It includes the number of intersection shapes indicating the number of links that make up the intersection, and the like.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection restriction table. The intersection restriction table is used to store various types of restriction information. For each intersection, a. Intersection ID, b. An entry source intersection ID specifying another intersection that can enter this intersection; c. An escape-prohibited intersection ID that specifies an intersection that is prohibited to enter from this intersection, d. Various regulations corresponding to the intersection, specifically, a date, a day of the week, a time, a regulation date and time indicating information on each vehicle type, a regulation day of the week, a regulation time, a regulation vehicle type, and the like are included.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection name table. The intersection name table is for storing information for specifying the name of the intersection, and for each intersection, a. Intersection ID, b. Entry source intersection ID, c. The name string of the intersection, the name reading kana character string, etc. are included.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection image table. The intersection image table is for storing an image or the like actually photographing an intersection, and for each intersection, a. Intersection ID, b. An image type indicating the content of the image; c. An image file in which actual image data is stored. If there are a plurality of image data, the image types and the image files exist by the number of the image data. For an intersection where no image data exists, the intersection image data table itself shown in FIG. 19 does not exist.

(2-2-9) Parking Lot Data Table FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the parking lot data table. The parking lot data table is for storing detailed information of each parking lot existing in the area, and for each parking lot, a. Parking lot ID that is common index information, b. Parking type indicating the type of parking lot, such as unmanned or manned, whether or not to rent, c. Vehicle restrictions indicating the presence or absence of restrictions on medium-sized vehicles, one-box cars, etc., d. Opening and closing times, e. Regular holiday, f. Fees, g. Includes the number of acceptable parking lots, etc.

The contents of tables for other facilities (bookstore data table, movie data table, meeting place data table, theater and theater data table, toilet data table, ATM data table) included in the detailed data of this embodiment. Is basically the same as the contents of the parking lot data table, and stores detailed information specific to the facility. Further, the types of these tables are appropriately increased or decreased for each theme, and the same table is not necessarily provided for all themes.
For example, in the case of the theme “Holiday hunting”, the bookstore data table, the movie data table, and the theater entertainment hall data table are excluded.

(3) Details of Navigation Controller
Configuration Next, a detailed configuration of the navigation controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The navigation controller 1 displays on the display device 7 a map image around the own vehicle position, intersection guidance information including lane guidance at the intersection,
Map buffer 10 for displaying information related to various areas, map reading control unit 12, map drawing unit 14, VRAM
16, an intersection guidance unit 18, an area guidance unit 20, an image synthesis unit 22, and a vehicle position calculation unit 30 for calculating the own vehicle position, performing a map matching process, a route search process, and a route guidance process and displaying the results. , Route search processing unit 3
2. A guidance route memory 34, a guidance route drawing unit 38, a mark image drawing unit 40, a remote control unit 60 for displaying various operation screens for the user and transmitting an operation instruction from the remote control unit 4 to each unit, a cursor. Position calculator 6
2, an operation screen generating unit 64 and a search processing unit 66 for performing a search process of facility information or the like according to a user's operation instruction.

The map buffer 10 includes the disk reading device 3
Is to temporarily store the map data read from the DVD2. When the vehicle position is calculated by the vehicle position calculation unit 30, the map read control unit 12 sends a read request for map data in a predetermined range including the vehicle position to the disk reading device 3, and outputs a map necessary for map display. Data is read from the DVD 2 and stored in the map buffer 10.

The map drawing section 14 creates map drawing data necessary for display based on drawing units included in the map data stored in the map buffer 10. The created map drawing data is stored in the VRAM 16. The intersection guidance unit 18 performs guidance at the intersection where the vehicle is approaching with a display image and voice, and when the own vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the intersection in front of the guidance route at the time of actual route guidance. The guide map of the approaching intersection (enlarged intersection, destination, traveling direction arrow) is displayed on the screen of the display device 7, and the traveling direction is guided by audio through the audio unit 8.

The area guide section 20 provides guidance on various areas by display images and voices, and displays predetermined guidance images on the screen of the display device 7 for various areas approached within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position. While displaying, a predetermined guidance voice is output through the audio unit 8.

The image synthesizing unit 22 reads the map drawing data read from the VRAM 16, the intersection guide unit 18, the area guide unit 20, the guide route drawing unit 38, and the mark image drawing unit 4.
0, superimpose drawing data output from each of the operation screen generating unit 64 and the search processing unit 66 to perform image synthesis, and output the synthesized drawing data to the display device 7.

The vehicle position calculation unit 30 calculates the position of the vehicle based on the data detected by the GPS receiver 5 and the autonomous navigation sensor 6 and, if the calculated vehicle position is not on the road in the map data. Then, a map matching process for correcting the own vehicle position is performed. The route search processing unit 32 searches for a traveling route that connects a preset destination and departure place under predetermined conditions. For example, under various conditions such as the shortest distance and the shortest time, the traveling route with the minimum cost is set as the guidance route. As typical methods of route search, the Dijkstra method and the horizontal search method are known. The guidance route set by the route search processing unit 32 in this way is a set of nodes {NS,
, ND} and stored in the guidance route memory 34.

The guidance route drawing unit 38 includes the route search processing unit 3
2 to select the data included in the map area drawn in the VRAM 16 at that time from the guidance route data set in the guidance route memory 34 and stored in the guidance route memory 34, and to superimpose and display the guidance route on the map image. Create guidance route drawing data. The mark image drawing unit 40 generates drawing data for generating a vehicle position mark at the own vehicle position after the map matching processing, or generating a cursor mark having a predetermined shape.

The search processing section 66 performs a search process of facility information, area information, and the like in accordance with a user's operation instruction. The specific operation of the search processing unit 66 will be described later. The above-mentioned DVD 2 corresponds to the map data storage means, and the navigation controller 1, the GPS receiver 5, the autonomous navigation sensor 6, the display device 7, and the audio unit 8 correspond to the navigation processing means, respectively. The DVD 2 corresponds to a computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded.

(4) Operation of Navigation Apparatus The navigation apparatus of the present embodiment has such a configuration. Next, a description will be given of a navigation operation realized by using the detailed data included in the above-described map information. An example will be described.

(4-1) Guide operation of information on various areas
Create Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation device for performing guidance of information about various areas in close proximity within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position, mainly area guide portion 20
Is described.

The area guidance unit 20 is provided with a vehicle position calculation unit 30
By obtaining the current position of the vehicle output from, and referring to the representative point coordinates (latitude, longitude) of each area included in the area data table stored in the map buffer 10,
It is determined whether there are various areas within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position (step 100). As long as there are no various areas within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position, the determination operation of step 100 is repeated.

If there are various areas within a predetermined distance from the position of the vehicle, an affirmative determination is made in step 100, and then the area guidance unit 20 determines whether it is time to provide various information on the relevant areas. Is determined (step 101). Specifically, as described above, in the area data table, according to the theme of various areas, the time to be guided, the date and time, the day of the week, the time of the day, and the like are set and stored in advance. By acquiring these pieces of information, it can be determined whether or not it is the guidance timing. For example, if the corresponding area is the “foliage hunting area”, the guidance time is set, for example, from October to November, and if the date falls on October to November, the guidance timing is set. Is determined.

Next, the area guide section 20 determines whether or not various areas are set to be highlighted on the map image (step 102). It should be noted that whether or not various areas are highlighted is set in advance by the user at the time of starting driving, for example.

If the display is set to be highlighted, an affirmative determination is made in step 102, and the area guide section 20 performs a process of highlighting the corresponding area (step 103). Specifically, the area guide section 20
Reads the outer peripheral coordinate point corresponding to the corresponding area,
The map drawing unit 14 is instructed to create drawing data in which a region on the map corresponding to the outer coordinate point is emphasized. Further, the area guide section 20 reads the symbol image file of the corresponding area, and draws the symbol image on the map image in an overlapping manner. A specific display example will be described later.

When a negative determination is made in step 102 or when the operation shown in step 103 is performed, the area guide section 20 determines whether or not it is set to provide guidance for various areas. A determination is made (step 104). It is also assumed that whether or not to provide guidance regarding these various areas is set in advance by the user at the start of driving or the like.

If the setting is to guide the area, an affirmative determination is made in step 104, and the area guide section 20 reads out the "area outline" in the area data table and, based on this, reads the corresponding area. Information on the information is provided by voice or the like (step 105). afterwards,
The area guide unit 20 returns to step 100 described above,
The subsequent processing is repeated.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example in which various regions existing within a predetermined distance from the own vehicle position are highlighted. For example, assuming that a “foliage hunting area” exists within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position and the timing coincides with the guidance timing in mid-October or the like, as shown by hatching in FIG. 22, the foliage hunting area is highlighted. Is done. In addition, when the setting for providing guidance related to the relevant area is made, a guidance voice such as “There is an area with beautiful autumn leaves nearby” is output.

(4-2) Route Searching Considering Various Regions
Create Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation apparatus for performing route search operation in consideration of the various regions,
The operation contents mainly performed in the route search processing unit 32 are described.

The route search processing section 32 determines whether a departure place, a destination, and the like have been set and an instruction has been given to perform a route search (step 200). While the route search instruction is not issued, the determination processing of step 200 is repeated. When a route search instruction is issued, the above-described step 20 is performed.
If the result is 0, an affirmative determination is made, and the route search processing unit 32 determines whether or not it is set to perform a route search process by automatically avoiding various regions when performing a route search (step 201). If it is not set to automatically avoid various areas, a negative determination is made in step 201, and the route search processing unit 32 performs a route search process according to the departure place and the destination set by the user. Perform (Step 202).

Next, the route search processing section 32 determines whether or not various areas exist on the obtained guide route (step 203). If there are various areas, an affirmative determination is made in step 203, and the route search processing unit 32
The information about various areas existing on the guidance route is output to the operation screen generating unit 64. The operation screen generating unit 64 reads information such as the types of various areas and name character strings from the map buffer 10 and displays a list of various areas existing on the guidance route (step 204).

Next, the route search processing section 32 determines whether or not the user has specified to avoid some or all of the various areas (step 205). If the avoidance designation has been made for the various areas, an affirmative determination is made in step 205, and the route search processing unit 32 searches again for a guidance route that avoids the area around the area designated by the user ( Step 206).

When an instruction is given to the effect that there is no area to be designated for avoidance (negative determination in step 205), or when a search for a guidance route is performed by the processing shown in step 206 described above, the route search processing unit 32 Then, the route search result is stored in the guide route memory 34 (step 207).

If the setting has been made to automatically avoid the various areas, an affirmative determination is made in step 201 described above, and the route search processing unit 32 avoids the various areas so as to avoid the various areas. A search process is performed (step 208), and the route search result is stored in the guidance route memory 34 (step 207).

Thereafter, a map image of a predetermined range including the departure place and the destination is drawn by the map drawing section 14, and the guidance route is highlighted thickly on the map image by the guidance route drawing section 38, thereby searching for a route. The result is displayed (step 209), and a series of route search processing ends.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display example of the route search result. In the same figure, the area indicated by hatching near the center of the screen is the "downtown area", and since traffic jams frequently occur, a route search obtained by performing a route search avoiding this "downtown area" 9 shows a display example of a result. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily perform processing such as searching for a route that avoids the entire area where traffic congestion frequently occurs, for example, for various preset areas. Can be efficiently searched for.

(4-3) Operation for Retrieving Various Regions FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation device when retrieving various regions. Operation screen generator 64
Determines whether or not an instruction to perform an area search has been issued (step 300), and when an instruction to perform an area search has been issued, displays a predetermined area search screen. Specifically, the theme of each area (“Downtown”, “Autumn leaves picking”,
"Festival") is displayed.

Next, the search processing unit 66 determines whether a theme to be searched has been designated (step 30).
1). When a theme is specified, an affirmative determination is made in step 301, and the search processing unit 66 searches for an area corresponding to the specified theme (step 302) and displays the search result (step 303). More specifically, when the theme is designated as “downtown”, for example, areas such as Ginza, Yurakucho, Marunouchi,... Are obtained as the corresponding search results, and these are listed. Displayed as search results.

Further, any one of the list items is highlighted and the cursor key provided on the remote control unit 4 is operated to move the highlighted display area up and down to select any area (step 304). ). next,
The area guide unit 20 determines whether or not an instruction has been given to display a map around the selected area (step 305). When an instruction to display a map around the area is issued, the area guide unit 20 performs a process for displaying a map around the area. Specifically, the area guidance unit 20
The coordinates of the representative point of the corresponding area are read, and the map reading control unit 12 is instructed to read the map data of the leaf including the coordinates of the representative point. As a result, the map leaf including the corresponding area is read, and the corresponding map image is drawn by the map drawing unit 14 and stored in the VRAM 16. Thereafter, the area guide unit 20 reads the outer peripheral coordinate points of the corresponding area, and instructs the map drawing unit 14 to create drawing data in which the area on the map corresponding to the outer peripheral coordinate points is emphasized. As a result, a map image in which the corresponding area is highlighted is displayed on the screen of the display device 7 (step 306). Thereafter, the process returns to step 304, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If no instruction to display a map around the area is given, a negative determination is made in step 305 described above, and the area guide unit 20 issues an instruction to display information about the selected area. It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed (step 307). When instructed to display the information on the area, the area guiding unit 20 reads “area outline” from the area data table corresponding to the area, and displays the information on the area based on the “outline outline” (step). 308). Specifically, the area guide unit 20 creates drawing data for displaying information and outputs the drawing data to the image combining unit 22. Thereafter, the process returns to step 304, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If the instruction to display the information on the area is not given, a negative determination is made in step 307 described above, and the area guide unit 20 sets the selected area as the destination of the route search processing. It is determined whether such an instruction has been issued (step 309). If the destination is instructed to be the destination of the route search processing, an affirmative determination is made in step 309, and the area guidance unit 20 reads the coordinates of the representative point of the corresponding area, and uses this position as the destination as the destination. Is instructed to perform the route search processing unit 32. The route search processing unit 32 that has received the instruction acquires the current position of the vehicle output from the vehicle position calculation unit 30, sets the current position as the departure point, and connects the departure point and the destination received from the area guidance unit 20. Is performed (step 310). Thereafter, the process returns to step 300, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If no instruction is given to the selected area as the destination of the route search process, a negative determination is made in step 309 described above.
No. 6 determines whether or not an instruction to end the area search processing has been given (step 311). If the instruction to end the area search processing is not issued, a negative determination is made in step 311, the process returns to step 304 described above, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If an instruction to end the area search process is given, an affirmative determination is made in step 311 and operation screen generating section 64 ends the display of the area search screen. Thereafter, the process returns to step 300 described above, and the subsequent processing is repeated. In this way, since a destination in a specific area is set as a destination, a route that travels preferentially in this area is set.

(4-4) Various facilities at destination or departure place
Route search processing diagram 26 and is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of a navigation apparatus for performing route search processing various facilities as a destination. The route search processing unit 32 determines whether or not various facilities have been set as destinations of the route search process (Step 4).
00).

When various facilities are set as destinations, the route search processing section 32 reads out an entry intersection ID corresponding to the set facility (step 401), and temporarily determines an intersection specified by the entry intersection ID. (Step 402).

The route search processing section 32 obtains the current position of the own vehicle from the vehicle position calculation section 30, sets the current position of the own vehicle as a departure point, and searches for a route to an entry intersection as a temporary destination. (Step 403), and the obtained guidance route data (a list of passing intersection nodes) is stored in the guidance route memory 34 as guidance route data (step 404).

Next, the route search processing section 32 calculates the entrance / exit coordinates (longitude and latitude) corresponding to the facility set as the destination.
Is read (step 405), the vehicle entrance specified by the coordinates is set as the final destination of the route search, and stored in the guidance route memory 34 (step 40).
6).

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 34. As shown in the figure, it is entering the intersection N _in the set as the destination of the temporary facilities of the vehicle doorway N _en is set as a further final destination subsequent. Therefore, when a predetermined route guidance operation is performed in accordance with the guidance route set in this way, when heading for various facilities, the vehicle passes through the entrance intersection associated with the facility and then reliably reaches the vehicle entrance. The route that can be performed will be guided.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation apparatus when performing a route search process using various facilities as departure points. The route search processing unit 32 determines whether or not various facilities have been set as departure locations for the route search process (step 500).

When various facilities are set as departure points, the route search processing unit 32 reads out the escape intersection ID corresponding to the set facility (step 501), and temporarily determines the intersection specified by the escape intersection ID. (Step 502).

Further, the route search processing section 32 acquires the destination set by the user, performs a route search from the above-mentioned temporary departure point to the destination (step 503), and obtains the resulting guidance. The route data is stored in the guide route memory 34 as guide route data (step 504).

Next, the route search processing unit 32 calculates the entrance / exit coordinates (longitude and latitude) corresponding to the facility set as the departure place.
Is read (step 505), the vehicle entrance specified by the coordinates is set as the original departure point for the route search, and stored in the guidance route memory 34 (step 50).
6).

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the guide route data stored in the guide route memory 34. As shown in the figure, an escape intersection N _ot is set as a temporary departure point, and the vehicle entrance N of the facility which is the original departure point is located _immediately before it.
_en is set. Therefore, when a predetermined route guidance operation is performed according to the guidance route set in this way,
Vehicles departing from various facilities can surely pass through the escape intersection after passing through the vehicle entrance.

(4-5) Facility Information with Road as Keyword
In this embodiment, information on the road in proximity to the facility is stored in the nearest road ID in the entrance / exit coordinate point table, and by using this information, the road is used as a keyword to retrieve the facility information. Search can be performed. Specifically, for example, it is possible to specify a road on which the vehicle is traveling, a guidance route at the time of route guidance, and the like, and search for information on facilities existing along the road.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation device when searching for facility information using a road as a keyword. The operation screen generating unit 64 determines whether or not an instruction to search for facility information has been issued (step 600). When the instruction to search for facility information has been issued, a predetermined facility information search screen is displayed. indicate.

Next, the search processing section 66 determines whether or not a road to be searched has been designated (step 60).
1). Specifically, as the search target roads, as described above, there are roads on which the vehicle is traveling, guidance routes when route guidance is being performed, and the like. The user may arbitrarily specify a road to be searched by specifying a road name or the like.

When the user specifies a road to be searched, an affirmative determination is made in step 601. Next, the search processing unit 66 searches for facilities existing along the specified road (step 602). The search result is displayed (step 603). Specifically, for example, if a road on which the vehicle is traveling is specified, the search processing unit 66 acquires the vehicle position from the vehicle position calculation unit 30 and stores the vehicle position in the map buffer 10. The road on which the vehicle is traveling is specified based on link information and the like included in the map data. Then, the search processing unit 66 searches for a facility existing along this road by searching for the nearest road ID in the entrance / exit coordinate point table based on the specified road. Similarly, if the guidance route at the time of the route guidance is specified as a search target road, the search processing unit 66 acquires the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 34 via the route search processing unit 32. By doing so, a guidance route is specified, and facilities existing along the guidance route are searched.

Further, any one of the search result items is highlighted, and the cursor key provided on the remote control unit 4 is operated to move the highlighted display area up and down.
One of the facilities is selected (step 604). If any facility is designated, an affirmative determination is made in step 604, and the search processing unit 66 acquires detailed information corresponding to the facility and displays the facility information (step 605). Specifically, the search processing unit 66 reads out image data for displaying information from the image file in the facility image table shown in FIG. 12 and outputs this to the image combining unit 22.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in a search for facility information using a road as a keyword. FIG.
(A) shows a display example of a facility information search screen. For example, by selecting an item "along this road", a road on which the own vehicle is traveling can be designated as a search target. FIG. 31B shows a display example of a facility search result, and a desired facility can be selected by moving up and down a portion highlighted (represented by hatching in the drawing). . When the desired facility is selected in this way, predetermined facility information including an outline of the facility, images, and the like is displayed as in the display example shown in FIG.

As described above, in the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to know an approach intersection suitable for approaching this facility or an escape intersection suitable for escape from this facility only by specifying a desired facility. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform various navigation processes in consideration of the road conditions around the facility, and to improve usability.

In addition, for each facility, since it is possible to know the nearest road on which the facility can enter and exit, it is possible to easily extract only the facilities existing along the road on which the vehicle travels. And the usability of the user can be improved. Furthermore, since predetermined navigation processing such as route search and provision of guidance information can be performed according to a rough purpose in consideration of the entire predetermined area, usability can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment described above,
Although the various areas are classified based on a predetermined theme such as a downtown area and autumn leaves hunting, they may be classified according to administrative districts and the like. Specifically, for example, if “Yokohama City” is classified as one area, it is possible to respond to a user's request such as “I want to go to Yokohama” vaguely with unclear destination facilities, Variations of the navigation operation can be increased.

Further, not all of the above-described map information including the detailed data is stored in the DVD 2 but various data are obtained by performing data communication with an external information center or the like as necessary. You may do so. In this case, a communication control unit may be provided in the navigation device and connected to a mobile phone such as a mobile phone to communicate with an external information center or the like. If various types of data are obtained from the outside, the amount of data stored in the DVD 2 can be reduced, and data updated to the latest information can always be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, the computer-readable recording medium on which the map information is recorded is
Although VD2 has been considered, other recording media such as a CD, a hard disk, and a semiconductor memory may be used. In addition, the computer used in this specification includes:
In addition to personal computers and the like, information processing devices including CPUs and DSPs are widely included, and navigation devices are also included.

[0110]

As described above, according to the present invention, by simply designating a desired facility, it is possible to know an approach intersection suitable for approaching this facility or an escape intersection suitable for escape from this facility. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform various navigation processes in consideration of the road conditions around the facility, thereby improving usability.

In addition, for each facility, since it is possible to know the nearest roads at which these facilities can enter and exit, only facilities existing along the road on which the vehicle travels can be easily extracted. And the usability of the user can be improved. Furthermore, since predetermined navigation processing such as route search and provision of guidance information can be performed according to a rough purpose in consideration of the entire predetermined area, usability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a vehicle-mounted navigation device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic content of a road unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing detailed contents of various tables included in a road unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an intersection unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an intersection record.

FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a predetermined area set corresponding to each theme.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of detailed data set for each theme.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of a header information table.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an entrance / exit coordinate point table.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between entrance / exit coordinates, entrance intersections, exit intersections, and facilities included in the entrance / exit coordinate point table shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an interpolation coordinate point table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing detailed contents of a facility image table.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the detailed contents of an area data table.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the detailed contents of an area periphery coordinate point table.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing detailed contents of a road data table.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an intersection data table.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an intersection restriction table.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an intersection name table.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing detailed contents of an intersection image table.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing detailed contents of a parking lot data table.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation device when guiding information on various areas approached within a predetermined distance from the own vehicle position.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a display example in a case where various regions existing within a predetermined distance from the own vehicle position are highlighted.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation device when performing a route search operation in consideration of various regions.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a route search result.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation device when searching for various areas.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation device when performing a route search process with various facilities as destinations.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of guidance route data stored in a guidance route memory.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation device when performing a route search process using various facilities as departure points.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of guidance route data stored in a guidance route memory.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation device when searching for facility information using a road as a keyword.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in a search for facility information using a road as a keyword.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation controller 2 DVD 3 Disc reader 4 Remote control (remote control) unit 5 GPS receiver 6 Autonomous navigation sensor 7 Display device 8 Audio unit 10 Map buffer 12 Map read control unit 14 Map drawing unit 16 VRAM 18 Intersection guide unit 20 Area Guide unit 22 Image synthesis unit 30 Vehicle position calculation unit 32 Route search processing unit 34 Guide route memory 38 Guide route drawing unit 60 Remote control unit 62 Cursor position calculation unit 64 Operation screen generation unit 66 Search processing unit

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shinya Yamamoto 1-18 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan Inside of MBA Corporation (72) Inventor Hideki Iidaco 1-1-1, Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Stock Company F term in the MBA company (reference) 2C032 HB06 HB22 HC31 HD07 HD16 2F029 AA02 AB07 AB13 AC02 AC08 AC14 AC18 5H180 AA01 FF05 FF14 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF32

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. Map data storage means for storing, as accompanying information of a facility, map data including information for specifying at least one of an entry intersection suitable for approaching the facility and an exit intersection suitable for exit from the facility. And a navigation processing means for performing a predetermined navigation process based on the accompanying information included in the map data. 2. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the accompanying information further includes information on a vehicle entrance of the facility. 3. The navigation processing device according to claim 1, wherein the navigation processing performed by the navigation processing means is a route search processing, and the navigation processing means includes the approach intersection when the facility is set as a destination. A navigation device, wherein a route is set, and when the facility is set as a departure place, a route including the escape intersection is set. 4. The navigation processing unit according to claim 2, wherein the navigation processing performed by the navigation processing unit is a route search process, and the navigation processing unit determines whether or not the facility is set as a destination. A route and a route from the entrance intersection to the vehicle entrance are set, and when the facility is set as a departure point, a route from the vehicle entrance to the exit intersection and a road not including the vehicle entrance from the escape intersection. A navigation device that sets a route extending along the route. 5. A map data storage means for storing map data including information for specifying a nearest road in contact with a vehicle entrance of the facility as the incidental information of the facility, based on the incidental information included in the map data. And a navigation processing means for performing a predetermined navigation process. 6. The navigation processing unit according to claim 5, wherein the navigation processing performed by the navigation processing unit is a guidance operation of a facility existing along a road of interest, and the navigation processing unit includes the nearest road in the road of interest. A navigation device that extracts the facility corresponding to the nearest road as a guidance target facility. 7. Map data required for display and route search and map data required for display and route search and a predetermined area specified by designating a plurality of intersections are set as a unit. A data storage unit for storing detailed data of facilities corresponding to a predetermined theme; and a navigation processing unit for performing a predetermined navigation process in consideration of the entire predetermined area. apparatus. 8. The navigation process according to claim 7, wherein the navigation process performed by the navigation processing unit is a route search process, and the navigation processing unit performs a route that preferentially travels in the predetermined area or travels in the predetermined area. A navigation device for setting a route to be avoided. 9. The navigation processing according to claim 7, wherein the navigation processing performed by the navigation processing means is a guidance operation of the theme corresponding to the predetermined area, and wherein the navigation processing means has a running position approaching the predetermined area. A navigation device for providing information on the theme by using at least one of an image and a sound. 10. A computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded, wherein the map information is set in units of maps divided by longitude and latitude, and is used as map data necessary for display and route search. And a first data area in which the map data is stored, including detailed data of a facility which is set in units of a predetermined area specified by designating a plurality of intersections and corresponds to a predetermined theme. And a second data area in which the detailed data is stored. When the theme increases or decreases, the second data is stored in the second data area without changing the map data stored in the first data area. A computer-readable recording medium recording map information, wherein the detailed data stored in an area is changed. 11. The approach data according to claim 10, wherein the detailed data corresponds to each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area, and includes an approach intersection suitable for approaching each facility and an escape suitable for escape. A computer-readable recording medium recording map information, characterized by containing information for specifying at least one of intersections. 12. The detailed data according to claim 10, wherein the detailed data includes information on a vehicle entrance of each facility corresponding to each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area. A computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded. 13. The detailed data according to claim 10, wherein the detailed data specifies, for each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area, a nearest road in contact with a vehicle entrance of each facility. And a computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded.