JP2003005630A - Navigation device, terminal device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make map data utilization fee less expensive by using only the limited area where beneficial information for a user is included, and to expand map data usable area for a map data provider. SOLUTION: A navigation device (1) that performs navigation operation based on stored map data is equipped with a memory means (3) that stores the map data and an area setting means that sets up a part of the map data as an open area in rectangle with specified size.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device, a terminal device, and a program that can use only map data of an area containing useful information for a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a navigation device having a function of route search or route guidance uses map data stored in a CD, and a user purchases the number of CDs according to the area to be used. However, in recent years, a large-capacity storage device such as a DVD has been developed, and map data has been stored in the storage device and mounted on a navigation device. A single DVD map of Japan and a map of entire Europe. Can store a wide range of data like
You can cover all areas by purchasing one DVD.

[0003]

By the way, the navigation system is intended to assist the user in driving, and the range of action of the user is diverse, depending on geographical factors and personal factors. Therefore, a small database cannot meet the needs of many users. As a result, a database containing all the information is desired, and the DVD has been used as a storage device that can meet the demand, and the capacity of the database has been increased. However, as the capacity of the database has been increased by using the DVD, the development cost of the database has been increased. The database containing all the information contains both useful and non-useful information for the user, and the selling price set on the DVD becomes expensive for the user who uses only a part of the data. I will end up. This high selling price is a cause of hindering the spread of DVDs.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to solve the above problems, and makes it possible to use only the area containing useful information for the user to reduce the map data selling price and to provide the map data provider with a low price. The purpose is to be able to expand the map data usage area.

Therefore, in the present invention, in a navigation device which performs a navigation process based on stored map data, a storage means for storing the map data and an area setting means for setting a part of the map data as an open area. It is characterized in that the area setting means sets the open area of the map data by a rectangle of a predetermined size. Further, the present invention is, in a navigation device that performs navigation processing based on stored map data, storage means for storing map data, fee setting means for setting a usage fee for the map data, and one of the map data. Area setting means for setting a part as an open area, wherein the area setting means sets a range according to the usage fee as an open area. Further, the present invention provides, in a navigation device that performs navigation processing based on stored map data, a storage unit that stores map data for each of a plurality of areas and an area setting unit that sets an open area of the map data. The area setting means sets the open area of the map data by selecting the number of areas according to the usage fee. Further, according to the present invention, in a terminal device that transmits and receives data to and from a center, means for inputting identification information unique to the navigation device, area information for releasing map data, means for transmitting the identification information, area information to the center, and center From the identification information and the area information. Further, the present invention, in a terminal device for transmitting and receiving data to and from a center and a navigation device, means for receiving identification information specific to the navigation device from the navigation device, means for inputting area information for releasing map data, the identification information, The present invention further comprises means for transmitting area information to the center and means for receiving the identification information and data access right information based on the area information from the center, and the present invention also provides navigation based on stored map data. In the processing program, the area of the map data to be opened is set by a rectangle of a predetermined size. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in a program for performing a map display process based on the stored map data, the area of the map data to be opened is set by a rectangle of a predetermined size.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a navigation system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining map data stored in an information storage device. The information storage device 3 is a large-capacity storage device such as a DVD. For example, all map data that is considered to be normally used by users, such as map data of all over Japan and map data of all over Europe, restaurants, gas stations, etc. Property information,
That is, facility data, search data used for route search, guidance data used for route guidance, etc. are stored. The navigation device 1 includes a central processing unit, an input device, a position detection device,
It is equipped with an output device and the like. The central processing unit has various navigation programs such as a program for performing processing based on the flowchart of the present embodiment and data therefor, and when the destination is input by the input device, the map data in the information storage device 3 is read out. , A route from the current position detected by the position detecting device or the starting point to the destination input by the input device is searched and guided by the output device. The output device is composed of a display and a speaker, and can provide guidance by display or voice, and can guide the destination or the like by voice or display.

In the navigation device of the present invention,
The map database stored in the information storage device 3 is
Only the area according to the user's request is opened (usable by the navigation device) and the other areas cannot be accessed, and the usage fee is determined according to the available area. Fees according to area are classified into large, medium, and small area sizes, and the usage fee is determined by any of them, weighting the fee for each area, and total fee for the selected area There may be various modes such as simply determining the charge by the number of areas as the flat charge for each area.
For example, when the map data stored in the information storage device 3 is divided into areas A, B, C ... As shown in FIG. 2 and is available to the user in each area unit. In addition, if the number of areas is n, the usage fee is determined as nα as one area unit uniform α. Further, when setting the usage fee for each area, the usage fee may be set according to the amount of map data or the area within each area.

In addition, when a new navigation device is purchased, if a predetermined area can be selected in advance corresponding to the purchase price (for example, three European countries can be selected), the user can purchase the navigation device. Selecting an arbitrary area releases the map data for that area. As the purchase price of the navigation device, the price may be set according to the amount of area that can be used first. For example, the amount of money is set according to the large area size (7 countries can be selected), medium (5 countries can be selected), and small (3 countries can be selected). Then, if the user frequently uses the navigation device even outside the first available area and wants to extend the area further from the first selected area, the area opening process shown in FIG. 4 is performed. Further, when the navigation device is purchased, the purchase amount of the map data is not included in the purchase amount of the navigation device. After the navigation device is purchased, the user can purchase any area based on the area opening process shown in FIG. Good.

In such a system, it is necessary to prevent the map data from being illegally used.
Therefore, in the present invention, the navigation device itself is determined from the combination of the serial number (for example, the serial number) unique to the hardware of each navigation device and the disk number (the map data version number) that stores the map data to be mounted on the navigation device. Unique identification information (ID) is generated. This ID is generated by the central processing unit in the navigation device. For example, when the navigation device has a certain function f, the device serial number is n, and the map data version number is m, an ID is generated in the central processing unit as follows: ID = f (n, m). To be done. If the charge is determined by the area size, this I
The desired area size s is sent to the center together with D.
The navigation device has area input (setting) means, and the area size is input by this input means.
In addition, the area input means large, medium, small,
Alternatively, you may enter such as ○ country, and when the user sends the identification number to the center, for example,
The area may be designated as "Germany, France, Belgium".

A function g is prepared on the center side, and a key code (map data access right information) is generated from this ID and area size s as k = g (ID, s). The center (processing device arranged in the center) has means for acquiring the ID and area size generated by the navigation device, and means for generating a key code from the acquired ID and area size (central processing device). ing. Further, the center stores and holds a charging method (credit, etc.) for the user, and has means (central processing unit) for executing charging settlement according to the charging method and the key code. Is sent to the user, the billing process is executed. Regarding the charging process, an IC card that enables global roaming, for example, a UIM (SIM) card or the like may be used to specify and charge an individual.

The key code includes area size information, and when the key code is input to the navigation device 1, the map data is released by the program read by the central processing unit. For example, when using the key code as the area size release key, when the key is input to the navigation device, the area selection screen is displayed,
The user can select an area (for example, three countries), and if selected, the area is opened. Further, when the key code is used as a release key for the area input by the area input means, when the key is input, the input area is released in the navigation device.

With such a system, even if the disks have the same version number, the map data cannot be used because the serial numbers are different if the devices are different. The above-described area expansion processing can be performed at any time while the disc is being used, and when a new disc is purchased, the key code is generated again by the above method.

In order to perform such processing, the navigation device is provided with an area enlargement menu screen as shown in FIG. 3, and if area selection is selected here, for example, it is set on the flash ROM. ID of the serial number of the device and the disk number of the information storage device
Is automatically generated. Further, when the key code input is selected on this menu screen and the key code sent from the center is input, the corresponding area size is specified from the key code and the usable map data is released.

Further, an identification number of the navigation device,
When the center manages map data version numbers, etc., and the user sends the user ID (which may be unrelated to the identification number or version number) and the area size, the identification number of the navigation device corresponding to the user ID at the center Alternatively, the center management may be performed such that the map data version number is searched and the key code is generated. The center stores and manages which area the map data is currently being used by a user (whether the user is paying the usage fee), and if the user requests opening, proposes another area that is being used ( It is also possible to actively prompt the user to make a selection (especially in the case of area size).

Next, the area release process in the system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4A. First, open the area expansion menu screen of the navigation device and select area selection (step S1). The navigation device generates an ID from the serial number of the hardware and the version number of the data disk and displays it on the screen (step S1).
2). Then, the user informs the center of the displayed ID and the desired area size (step S3). These pieces of information can be transmitted to the center by communication when the navigation device has a communication means, and the navigation device and the terminal device (electronic device), for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PD.
A or the like may be connected and transmitted to the center through these. On the center side, the navigation device I
D, the charging method, and the desired area size are acquired (step S4), and a key code is generated from the ID and the area size (step S5). The generated key code is sent to the user, and the user who receives the key code opens the area expansion menu screen (step S6) and inputs the key code (step S7). When the center side has a key code transmitting means and the key code is received through the communication means of the navigation device, the received information is taken into the navigation device, and the key code is sent by a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or the like. When the information is received, the received information is input to the navigation device through these. The navigation device specifies the area size from the input key code (step S8),
The screen is changed to the area selection screen, and the area selected from the area sizes is released (step S9). In this release process, the key code contains the area size, but if the key code contains information about a specific area (Germany, France, etc.), it is specified that the key code is acquired. The opened area will be opened.

Alternatively, the area opening process may be executed only by a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or the like which can communicate with the navigation device, and this example will be described with reference to FIG. 4B. Although a personal computer will be described below as an example, a mobile phone, a PD
Of course, it may be A or the like. In the navigation device, the navigation device generates an ID from the serial number of the hardware and the version number of the data disc (step). Then the user can
Take D into a personal computer and send it to the center with the desired area size (step).
Of course, the user may directly input the ID into the personal computer. ID at the data processing device on the center side
When receiving, the charging method and the desired area size are acquired (step), a key code is generated from the ID and the area size, and the key code is transmitted to the user's personal computer (step). When the user receives the key code at the personal computer (step), the user inputs the key code into the navigation device from the personal computer (step). The navigation device specifies the area size from the input key code (step), transitions to the area selection screen, and releases the area selected from the area sizes (step). According to such an area release process, the key size can be acquired and the area size can be designated even when the vehicle is away from the vehicle. Although the navigation device generates the ID in the above, a program for generating the ID may be installed in a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or the like, and the ID may be directly generated and transmitted to the center. Good.

When the personal computer, mobile phone, PDA or the like shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is used for the area opening process, the above-mentioned IC card, for example, SIM.
The card may be inserted into a navigation device, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or the like, and a SIM card may be used to exchange data between the navigation device and the center.

Further, by allowing the server on the Internet or the customer server to play the role of the center, it becomes possible to more easily select the area to be used. If the user owns a plurality of the same navigation devices and wishes to use the same disc between the devices, a limitation such as "up to 2 or 3" is set within the range. If so, map data may be provided free of charge. At this time, the first ID
To the center, it is possible to retrieve the past purchase history, and the center side can take such a treatment by observing the purchase history.

In the above description, the navigation device and the center or the server communicate with each other to exchange information. However, a card in which map data access right information corresponding to an area size or a specific area is stored. Etc. may be sold and a specific area may be opened by inserting a card purchased by the user into the navigation device. At this time, the navigation device is equipped with a card slot, and when the card is inserted, map data access right information such as a key code is read and the map data corresponding to the area is released. The card seller creates a key code from the identification information of the device, etc. which the user has given, and stores it in the card. If the identification information of the navigation device user is registered in the host computer on the card seller side, the card can be easily created. Other than that, if the navigation device is configured so that the map data access right information is taken in, it can be changed appropriately.

Further, after the user purchases the navigation device, a part or all of the map data can be used for a certain period of time, and the map data cannot be accessed after a certain period of time has passed. ) May be used by the user to release the map data of the desired area. At this time, the navigation device has a clock or acquires time information from a GPS connected to the navigation device and measures a time period such as one week. With this configuration, the user can obtain the trial period and select the area to actually use during that period.

By the way, the current European map database is divided into regions, such as France, Netherlands / Belgium / Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland / Austria / Italy, etc., and is made into a CD, as shown in FIG. Therefore, depending on the user's range of action, 2 or 3 CDs
I had to buy one. For example, if you live in Belgium or Luxembourg, you had to buy a map of Germany or France. Even then, what the user needs is a map of East France or West Germany, not all France or all Germany. Of course, it is technically possible to create a CD that adds Belgium to West Germany and East France, but it is not realistic because of problems of fixed costs and distribution. This problem has been largely solved by increasing the data capacity of DVDs, but the development cost of the database rises, and a database containing all information is neither useful nor useful for users. Since the information is also included, the selling price set on the DVD becomes expensive for a user who uses only some data.

Therefore, in this embodiment, conditional access (conditional access) is performed.
Conditional access is to make only a part of the large capacity data medium (DVD) containing all data accessible by software, thereby purchasing the right to use only the area necessary for the user. Is possible.

An area selection method for that purpose will be described below. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the user can specify an arbitrary use area with a rectangle. As shown, a rectangle (rectangle or square) A having a predetermined size is prepared, and the position can be freely moved by the user.
The use area of map data is set according to the position. This area is set by the input device. The data usage fee is determined according to the size of the specified rectangle. It is also possible to change the aspect ratio of the rectangle and change the size to determine the data usage fee. Further, the fare may be changed depending on the area in consideration of the road situation and congestion situation in Europe, and the fare may be changed depending on what kind of area is included.

It is also possible that the user presets a usage fee for the map data, presents a rectangle of a predetermined size corresponding to the preset fee to the user, and sets it as an open area. In addition, when the user presets the usage fee of the map data and the user freely decides the size of the rectangle and sets the open area of the map data, an upper limit is set for the area that can be expanded by the preset fee. You may do it. That is, when a certain amount of usage charge is set in advance, the rectangle is expanded so that it does not expand beyond a certain size. The size of the rectangle is determined by inputting an instruction, for example, by dragging a diagonal line of the rectangle with the input device. With respect to the rectangle in which the aspect ratio is set in this way, the user subsequently sets the position freely to set the open area.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which all areas are divided in advance and a use area is selected from them. As shown in the figure, the entire data range is divided into a plurality of rectangles having different sizes and aspect ratios in advance, and a predetermined number, for example, five rectangles, is selected from among the rectangles depending on the fee paid. In this case as well, a usage fee may be set for each rectangle so that the user can purchase as many as the user wants according to the payment fee. At this time, the usage fee set for each rectangle may be displayed on the map when the area is selected so that the user can easily understand the usage fee of each rectangle. Although it is possible to divide the usage area into a curved shape, a circle, etc., it is troublesome for the navigation system to process within that limit, and there is a problem in responsiveness, so the area is defined as a rectangle. Is desirable. In addition, in the above area selection, when a plurality of areas are selected at the same time, if the remote areas are selected, the network between the areas cannot be obtained, which may result in inconvenient data for the user. Therefore, when the main area is determined, an area adjacent to the boundary of the determined area may be recommended and the user may be advised to effectively utilize the database by displaying a screen or the like.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which areas can be selected by dividing them by boundaries of administrative division units. As shown in the figure, a country with a small area is divided into national units, and a country with a large area is divided into appropriate administrative division units, from which a user can select the desired number of areas according to the paid fee. In order to simplify the navigation program, it is possible to use a method in which all are divided by country rather than by a small administrative division. Even in this case, if the boundary of the administrative division is used as it is, an area such as a curved shape is generated, and as described above, the response of the navigation processing cannot be ensured.
In practice, it is desirable to approximate the administrative unit by a combination of rectangles of appropriate size. Although the areas are divided according to the area in the above, they may be divided according to the population. That is, since the number of units increases as the population increases, and the number of roads increases accordingly, it is considered that the population and the number of properties searched by the navigation device are in a proportional relationship. Therefore, if the areas are divided according to the population, it is possible to evenly divide the data amount in the search target database.

Next, in order to limit the area to be used, the deterioration of performance due to the introduction of the function of the present invention of selecting an area is performed by performing area determination as far downstream as possible in the flow of execution of navigation processing. An example will be described below.

In conditional access, which provides the user with the merit of paying only the necessary fee, various processing must be performed within the usage area constraint as the navigation system, and the processing load increases and the performance increases. It may decrease. Since the product performance will drop if performance is significantly reduced, determine the area to be used as far downstream as possible in the flow of execution of navigation processing so that the effect of conditional access on navigation processing can be minimized. Hold it down. In addition, here we encourage the purchase of a wider range of copyrights by notifying the user that the data in the areas that were not selected is simply imprisoned, but also by telling the user that the contents of the information do not have to be provided. To

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a warning is given before the property information is displayed for guidance. The search for the destination set by the user is performed from the point data managed by coordinates in the normal process, that is, not for the purchased area but for all the data (step S11), and the point (property) is determined as the destination. Is performed (step S12). Next, it is determined whether or not the confirmed point is within the purchased area (step S13). If it is within the purchased area, display the property name, address, phone number, etc. of the destination and click "See map",
Prompt for selection with the "Go here" button (step S1
4) The destination is set or the map is displayed according to the button operation by the user (step S15).
In step S13, if it is not in the purchased area,
On the screen, "The selected location is outside the area where the customer purchased", "Purchase 0120-12345.
Call 6 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) ”(step S16), and prompt the user to purchase a wide range of copyrights. The user knows from the warning screen that the destination set is outside the area, and repeats the process of step S11.

As described above, the destination search is carried out as it is, and finally, when it is limited, the inside / outside of the area is judged to minimize the deterioration of the performance and to have the information in the database. Let me know
Can encourage purchase. Depending on the user,
There is a possibility that it may be possible to start over again if it is possible to determine whether the area is inside or outside the purchased area at the time of setting the destination. Therefore, the inside / outside determination is performed in step S11. Such a warning may be issued.

Next, the destination search is performed as it is, and a part or all of the property information of the destination is displayed to warn that the data is locked, so that the information is found in the database. An example in which notification is given and purchase is prompted will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a part of the property information is displayed and a warning is given, and it is the same as the case of FIG. 9 except that a part of the property information is displayed and an OK key for canceling is displayed. . First, a destination is input and a normal destination search process is executed using all data (step S21). Next, the process of confirming the point (article) is performed from the coordinate data of the destination (step S22), and it is determined whether the point is within the purchased area (step S23). If it is within the purchased area, the property name, address, telephone number, etc. of the destination are displayed, and the user is prompted to select with the "View map" or "Go here" button (step S24), and the user presses the predetermined button. When the operation is performed, the destination is set or the map is displayed (step S2).
5). In step S23, if the property is outside the purchased area, part of the property information such as the property name and address of the destination is displayed, and "Data is locked. Release is 0120-123456" is displayed. Then, an OK key for accepting this is displayed (step S26). When the user operates the OK key, the process returns to step S21 and the destination setting process is performed again. The user who desires to unlock the data lock obtains the key code by the above-described method and unlocks the data lock.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of warning after displaying all the property information. First, a destination is input and a normal destination search process is executed using all data (step S31). Next, the process of confirming the point (article) is performed from the coordinate data of the destination (step S32),
The property name, address, telephone number, etc. of the destination are displayed (step S33), and then it is determined whether the point is within the purchased area (step S34). If it is within the purchased area, the destination is automatically set or the map is displayed (step S35). In step S34, if the property is outside the purchased area, all property information such as property name and address of the destination is displayed, and "Data is locked. Release is 0120-123456" is displayed. , OK key to acknowledge this is displayed (step S
36). When the user operates the OK key, step S33
Then, the process of setting the destination will be redone. In addition,
When the OK key is operated, the request for unlocking the data lock may be automatically transmitted to the center.

In the above embodiment, the destination setting is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the destination setting, and the map display device also includes points (facility).
Needless to say, it can be applied to purposes other than setting the destination, such as displaying a map around the point after searching. In this case, when the searched facility is outside the open area, a warning that the facility is outside the open area is issued.

By the way, if the inside / outside determination of the area is performed during the search process, not only the performance until the end of the search is deteriorated but also an absurd route may be searched due to the adverse effect of the area restriction. It is desirable to search in a state where restrictions are ignored and to judge whether the area is inside or outside.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which the area check is performed after the first voice guidance after the search is completed. In this example, destination setting and route search are all performed for all data, and an area check is performed at the guidance stage. First, normal search processing is performed (step S41), and guidance is started (step S42). Next, it is judged whether or not there is at least one road outside the area on the route (step S43), and if not, the guidance is started as it is (step S45). If there is at least one road outside the area, "I will pass the road outside the area. Map display and guidance will not be done outside the area. Data purchase 0120-123456
A screen display such as "Please (24 hours a day, seven days a week)" is displayed, and "The road outside the area is passed. Maps and voice guidance are not displayed outside the area. Please be careful." Warning is given (step S
44), the guidance of step S45 is started.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of performing an area check after the search is completed. First, normal search processing is performed (step S51), and then it is determined whether or not there is at least one road outside the area on the route (step S52).
If not, the guidance is started as it is (step S5).
4). If there is at least one road outside the area, "You will pass through the road outside the area. Maps and guidance will not be displayed outside the area. Please purchase data at 0120-123456 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)" While a screen display like this is displayed, "You will pass the road outside the area. Map display and voice guidance will not be done outside the area. Please be careful."
A voice warning such as is given (step S53),
The guidance in step S54 is started.

Next, a screen display method in the case where the route search based on all data as described above results in a partial area outside the area will be described below. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of determining the inside / outside of the area of the data to be read at the time of reading the data. When a map display request is made (step S61), the system judges whether the data to be read (data of the searched route) is within the area (step S6).
2). If it is within the area, it is read as usual (step S63), and data outside the area is not read (step S64). Then, a map is displayed based on the read data (step S65). In this way, the inside / outside determination of the area is performed at the stage of reading the data from the map data storage means (DVD), and only the map data in the opened area is read into the central processing unit. Further, all the map data is read from the map data storage means (DVD) into the central processing unit, the inside / outside determination of the area is made at the stage of outputting the guide information to the display means, and only the map in the open area is outputted to the display means. You may
Further, the map display request may be in any case such as a map display after the route search or a case where the map display is simply requested without setting the route.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which guidance information is provided only when the vehicle position is within the area. After the route search based on all the data is performed, it is determined whether or not the vehicle position is within the area (step S71), and if it is within the area, a normal guidance screen is displayed (step S72). If it is outside the area, the map is not displayed, and only the straight line distance to the destination and the arrow indicating the straight line direction of the destination are displayed (step S73).
Further, either the straight line distance to the destination or the direction of the destination may be output by voice or display.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example in which the inside / outside of the area of the coordinates of the utterance point (the point where voice guidance is provided) is determined to control whether to guide or not. The utterance point of the voice guidance is specified (step S81), it is determined whether or not the utterance point is within the area (step S82), and if the utterance point is within the area, utterance occurs when the vehicle position reaches the utterance point (voice guidance ) (Step S83). If the speaking point is outside the area,
Nothing is done even if the vehicle position reaches the utterance point (step S84).

As described above, the guide information based on the map data of the open area and the guide information based on the map data of the area other than the open area are output differently, so that the user can be prompted to expand the area. .

FIG. 17 shows the processing flow of FIG. 16, in which a rectangular frame indicates the boundary of the area, and the guide route is searched for as R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and the route R2. , R3, R4 are outside the area boundary,
It is assumed that A, B, C, D, E, and F are utterance points. At utterance point A on route R1, "300m ahead, turn right."
Guidance of the route R2, R3, R4 utterance point B,
In C and D, no voice guidance is given. At the utterance point E of the route R5, the guidance "300 m ahead to the left." Is provided, and at the utterance point F, the guidance "Soon to be left." In the determination of whether the guidance point on the route is inside or outside the area, not only whether the voice utterance point is inside the area
Display output point of enlarged intersection (300m from the guidance intersection)
It may be configured to control whether or not to display the enlarged intersection image based on whether the area is inside or outside (for example, in front).

As a result of searching the route from the current position to the destination, if there is an area outside the open area, the map data only within the open area is used to search for a road outside the open area. No route (second route)
May be searched for and route information regarding the route may be presented to the user. For example, as shown in FIG.
The route R1 was presented as the optimum route in the search with all the data from the current location (departure location) S to the destination D. However, if the route R1 is partly outside the area, route guidance is restricted outside the open area. I cannot receive detailed guidance. Therefore,
When the second route R2 is searched by performing the search using the map data only in the open area, the optimum route R
It is possible for the user to compare and select the second route R2 which is not optimal with 1 but can receive detailed guidance in the open area. As the route information, the entire searched route may be displayed, or information such as a road name and a highway toll along the searched route may be displayed.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the open area of the map data is designated by an area such as a rectangle, a unit of a country, a unit of administrative division, etc. , Detailed map, suburbs map, etc.) and service contents (map display only, guidance etc.) may be specified. For example, France is just a display,
It is possible to set the open area according to the user's preference, such as displaying guidance in Germany and displaying the city map in Italy.

[0044]

As described above, the conventional navigation database had to be purchased without knowing the contents, but according to the present invention, the area can be easily selected, and a small fee is paid at the beginning to save the data. It is possible to look at a part and examine the contents before purchasing the remaining area. Since the user only needs to pay the fee for the area to be used, the map data can be used inexpensively, and the map data provider can easily encourage the user to expand the range of use of the map data. Further, by communicating with the navigation device and the center using a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc., it becomes possible to open the area even away from the vehicle.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a navigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a map area to be used.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an area expansion menu screen.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an area release process.

FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an area release process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a European map database.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a user can specify a use area as a rectangular area.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which an entire area is divided in advance and a use area is selected from the divided areas.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which an area is divided according to administrative divisions so that selection can be performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a warning is given before the property information is displayed for guidance.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a case where part of property information is displayed and a warning is issued.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a warning after displaying all property information.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which an area check is performed after the first voice guidance after the search is completed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which an area check is performed after the search is completed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of determining inside / outside of an area of data to be read at the time of reading data.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which guidance information is provided only when the vehicle position is within the area.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of controlling whether to guide by determining inside / outside of the area of the utterance point coordinates and not guiding.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a searched route is outside the open area, and a search is performed using map data only inside the open area.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Navigation device, 2 ... Center, 3 ... Information storage device.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Satoshi Ogawa             18 Aishi, 6 Harayama, Okamachi, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture             N AW Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C032 HB02 HB11 HB22 HB25 HC08                       HC13 HC27 HD03 HD16

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A navigation device for performing navigation processing based on stored map data, comprising: storage means for storing map data; and area setting means for setting a part of the map data as an open area,
The navigation device, wherein the area setting means sets an open area of the map data by a rectangle of a predetermined size. 2. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the area setting means sets the open area by determining the size of the rectangle according to the usage fee. 3. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the area setting unit sets an open area by changing an aspect ratio of the rectangle according to a usage fee. 4. A navigation device for performing a navigation process based on stored map data, a storage means for storing the map data, a charge setting means for setting a usage fee for the map data, and a part of the map data. And area setting means for setting as an open area,
The navigation device, wherein the area setting means sets a range corresponding to the usage fee as an open area. 5. The navigation device according to claim 4, wherein the area setting means sets an open area in a rectangle having a predetermined size according to the usage fee. 6. The navigation device according to claim 5, wherein the area setting means sets the open area by changing the aspect ratio of the rectangle according to the usage fee. 7. A navigation device for performing navigation processing based on stored map data, comprising: storage means for storing map data for each of a plurality of areas; and area setting means for setting an open area of the map data. The navigation device, wherein the area setting means sets the open area of the map data by selecting a number of areas according to the usage fee. 8. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein a price for releasing the map data is set for each area. 9. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein the price is set according to a map data amount in the area or an area in the area. 10. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the area is a rectangular area. 11. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the area is an area divided by an administrative boundary. 12. The area divided by the administrative boundary is
The navigation device according to claim 11, wherein the navigation device is an area divided by a country or an administrative division according to an area. 13. The area divided by the administrative boundary is
13. The navigation device according to claim 11, which is an area approximated by a combination of rectangles. 14. A terminal device for transmitting and receiving data to and from a center, means for inputting identification information unique to a navigation device, area information for releasing map data, means for transmitting the identification information and area information to the center, and from the center. A terminal device comprising: means for receiving data access right information based on the identification information and area information. 15. A terminal device for transmitting and receiving data to and from a center and a navigation device, means for receiving identification information specific to the navigation device from the navigation device, means for inputting area information for releasing map data,
A terminal device comprising: means for transmitting the identification information and area information to a center; and means for receiving data access right information based on the identification information and area information from the center. 16. A program for performing navigation processing based on stored map data, wherein the program data area to be opened is set by a rectangle of a predetermined size. 17. A program for performing map display processing based on stored map data, wherein a program area for opening is set by a rectangle of a predetermined size.