JP2003214870A - Method and system for navigation as well as computer program for them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reasonably perform a navigation function for a vehicle and a navigation function for a walker by using a single information terminal. <P>SOLUTION: When the information terminal 1 exists inside the vehicle, a navigation processing operation is performed by using map information for the vehicle (including route information on one-way traffic, traffic divisions of a plurality of traffic lanes or the like). When the terminal exists outside the vehicle, the navigation processing operation is performed by using map information for the walker (including route information on a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian bridge, a sidewalk beside a roadway or the like). The two navigation functions for the vehicle and for the walker are realized by using the single information terminal. The information terminal 1 acquires the map information for the vehicle and for the walker to be used from an information center 2 as required. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a field of a navigation system for displaying a map around a current position and guiding a route to a destination desired by a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for acquiring various information from an external server or the like to a personal computer by utilizing a communication environment such as the Internet has been widely used. A technique has been proposed for performing navigation such as route guidance between an on-vehicle navigation device having a communication function communicably connected in a communication environment and an information center.

[0003]

According to the above-mentioned conventional navigation device, various useful information can be acquired during the movement to the destination, and the movement can be performed efficiently.

In addition, in the field of the above-mentioned navigation device, in addition to the conventional type mounted on a vehicle, in recent years, the information terminal (P
A type capable of displaying a map image on a DA or a mobile phone and guiding a route to a destination is becoming popular.

In these two types of navigation devices, it is obvious that basic functions such as detection of the current position and display of a map image can be realized by using substantially the same hardware and substantially the same processing procedure. is there. For this reason,
From the viewpoint of reducing the cost burden on users and convenience,
Attempts have been made to realize these two types of navigation devices by means of a set of devices, in which case the user-portable information terminal functions as a call device and a portable navigation device outside the vehicle, while Inside, it functions as a vehicle-mounted device of a vehicle navigation device or its core unit.

However, the behavior of the vehicle and the pedestrian is
For example, even when trying to move to the same destination,
The routes allowed or selectable during the movement are generally different. That is, for example, even when traveling on the same road, there is no option for the route of the vehicle that should travel on the road with one lane on one side, but when there are sidewalks on the left and right sides of the road, walking The person should be allowed two options for the route. In addition, in the case of a so-called pedestrian crossing or pedestrian bridge on such a road,
Such pedestrian walkways should be treated as an additional option that can be provided to pedestrians. Therefore, it can be seen that the contents of the information to be notified to the user are greatly different between the vehicle navigation device and the pedestrian navigation device even in the same area depending on the map image or the like.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation method and an apparatus which reasonably perform a vehicle navigation function and a pedestrian navigation function using a single information terminal, and a computer program therefor. .

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a navigation method according to the present invention is characterized by the following configurations.

That is, between the information providing device capable of bidirectional communication via the communication line and the information terminal portable by the user, map information around the current position of the information terminal is provided from the information providing device. A navigation method for displaying at least a map image around the current position on the information terminal by providing the information terminal with first map information for vehicle navigation and second map information for pedestrian navigation. A storage step of storing in advance in a storage device,
When the map information around the current position of the information terminal is provided from the information providing device to the information terminal, when the information terminal is present in the vehicle, the map information around the current position is used as the first map information. On the other hand, when the information terminal exists outside the vehicle, the map information providing step of obtaining the map information around the current position from the second map information is provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises a navigation step of guiding a route to a destination desired by the user by using the first or second map information obtained in the map information providing step, In the navigation step, even at substantially the same point on the route guidance route, route guidance performed for the occupants of the vehicle based on the first map information and the mobile terminal based on the second map information. With route guidance performed for users of
It is characterized in that the mode at the time of route guidance is different.

In this case, for example, in the second map information,
Contains at least information about pedestrian walkways (eg, roadside walkways, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges, pedestrian heavens, etc.),
It is preferable that the first map information includes at least information about a roadway excluding the pedestrian passage.

Further, for example, in the navigation step, when route guidance using the first or second map information is actually performed, route information representing the route guidance route is used for vehicle navigation and for pedestrians. It should be stored separately for navigation and reusable at a later date.

Further, for example, in the navigation step, when it is determined that the information terminal has moved from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the route guidance based on the first map information, the route guidance based on the second map information. When starting the, the start position is a sidewalk close to the side of the point on the road where the vehicle was located when it was determined that the information terminal moved outside the vehicle (for example, when the vehicle is driving on the left side). Should be set on the sidewalk on the left side of the road.

Further, for example, in the navigation step, when it is determined that the information terminal has moved from the outside of the vehicle to the inside thereof while the route is being guided based on the second map information, the route is guided based on the first map information. When starting the, the traveling direction of the vehicle is the original traveling direction of the roadway that is close to the side of the point on the sidewalk where the information terminal was located when it was determined that the information terminal moved inside the vehicle. It should be set.

In any of the above-mentioned methods, in the map information providing step, the acquisition of the map information around the current position from the first or second map information is performed by obtaining the current position information from the information terminal. It should be done as it is received.

Further, in any of the above-mentioned methods, the map information providing step determines whether the information terminal is present in the vehicle by comparing the information terminal with the control device mounted on the vehicle. It is preferable to include a determination step of determining based on whether or not a communication line by a predetermined short-range wireless communication method can be established.

Alternatively, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the navigation device (information center) according to the present invention is characterized by the following configuration.

That is, at least the map image around the current position is displayed on the information terminal by providing the information terminal around the current position of the portable information terminal to the user through the communication line. Which is a navigation device that stores first map information for vehicle navigation and second map information for pedestrian navigation, and map information around the current position of the information terminal to the information terminal. When providing the information terminal, if the information terminal exists inside the vehicle, the map information around the current position is obtained from the first map information, while if the information terminal exists outside the vehicle, Map information providing means for obtaining map information around the current position from the second map information.

Alternatively, in order to achieve the same object as described above, the navigation device according to the present invention is characterized by the following configuration.

That is, the navigation device is a user-portable navigation device, and the storage device stores the first map information for vehicle navigation and the second map information for pedestrian navigation, and the navigation device is provided in the vehicle. If the navigation device exists outside the vehicle, the map information around the current position is obtained from the first map information, and if the navigation device is outside the vehicle, the map information around the current position is obtained from the second map information. And a map image display means for displaying at least a map image around the current position of the navigation device based on the acquired map information.

The same object can also be achieved by a program code that gives an operation instruction that constitutes the navigation method having the above-described configurations, and a computer-readable storage medium that stores the program code.

Further, the same purpose is to store a program code which gives an operation instruction for configuring a navigation device having the above-mentioned respective configurations, and the program code is stored.
It is also achieved by a computer-readable storage medium.

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, a navigation method and apparatus for rationally performing a vehicle navigation function and a pedestrian navigation function using a single information terminal, and a computer program thereof. Offer is realized.

That is, claim 1, claim 10, claim 11
According to the invention, when the information terminal exists inside the vehicle, the navigation processing using the first map information for the vehicle is performed, and when the information terminal exists outside the vehicle, the pedestrian Navigation processing using the second map information is performed. Thereby, two navigation functions for a vehicle and a pedestrian can be reasonably realized by using a single information terminal, which is highly convenient for the user.

According to the invention of claim 2, for example,
Route guidance performed using the second map information that includes information about pedestrian passages (pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges, sidewalks on the side of a road, etc.) for users of information terminals, and In the route guidance performed for the occupants of the vehicle by using 1 map information (claim 3), the mode at the time of route guidance is illustrated in the embodiment described later.
Different (for vehicles) and Fig. 4 (for pedestrians). As a result, user convenience is improved, and a more rational and realistic navigation function can be realized.

According to the invention of claim 4, when the route guidance to a similar destination is performed later, at least a part of the desired route previously used by the user is used for vehicle navigation and for pedestrians. Since it can be individually referred to for navigation, convenience for the user can be improved.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, when the user starts the movement as a pedestrian himself from the movement by the vehicle, if the start position of the pedestrian navigation for the user is, for example, Japan, the vehicle If is on the left, it is set on the sidewalk on the left side of the road. This makes it possible to provide a realistic and rational pedestrian navigation function for the user even when there are sidewalks on both sides of a road that has been traveled by vehicles until then, which is convenient. high.

According to the invention of claim 6, when the user starts moving by a vehicle while the user is moving as a pedestrian himself, the starting position of the vehicle navigation for the user is, for example, in Japan. If there is, it is set to the original traveling direction of the road that is close to the walking sidewalk. As a result, the vehicle navigation function can be realistically and rationally started.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, the map information to be prepared on the information terminal side can be minimized, and the map information of the necessary place can be obtained as necessary. It is rational.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the information terminal is present in the vehicle only by the user carrying the information terminal getting into the vehicle, Even if the connection operation is not performed, the information terminal and the vehicle-side control device can cooperate with each other, which is highly convenient.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of a navigation system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a navigation system according to the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall outline of the navigation system according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the information center 2
Is an information processing device such as a server computer having a communication function, and the CPU 21 of the information center 2 is stored in a memory (storage medium) 24. The navigation process according to the present embodiment (details will be described later). By executing various software programs such as general communication processing, the external device is appropriately connected to the database 23 and the communication interface (I / F) 22, the communication line such as the Internet 5, and the like. Data communication with the mobile terminal 1 and information is provided to the mobile terminal 1 used by the user.

The database (DB) 23 contains at least two types of map information that can be provided to the mobile terminal 1 by the navigation processing according to this embodiment, and route history information for each user who can use this system. Is stored.

More specifically, the database 23 stores the following information, and these information items are based at least on a predetermined coordinate system common to the map information adopted by the mobile terminal 1.

Map information for vehicle: Map information referred to for specifying the current position of the vehicle, displaying a movable wide area, and the like, where the vehicle is passing over the wide area. It includes route information including possible one-way roads, traffic lanes such as multiple lanes.

Map information for pedestrians: map information referred to for specifying the current position of pedestrians, displaying a movable wide area, etc., and walking on the wide area. It includes route information such as pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges, and pedestrian sidewalks that are accessible to people.

Route history information for vehicle: Information indicating a favorite route of a user who can use this system, and it is preferable that a route that the user 102 has traveled in the past by the vehicle 101 or a route that has simply traveled is preferable. When thinking, it is stored in a state associated with the user ID of the mobile terminal 1 in response to the user's request. Therefore,
The vehicle route history information can be individually stored for each user.

Pedestrian route history information: information indicating a favorite route of a user who can use the present system, which is a route guide route that the user 102 having the portable terminal 1 has traveled in the past as a pedestrian. When it is considered that the route simply moved is preferable, it is stored in a state associated with the user ID of the mobile terminal 1 in response to the request of the user. Therefore, the route history information for the pedestrian concerned is
It can be stored individually for each user.

The mobile terminal 1 is an information processing device (for example, PDA, mobile phone, etc.) used by the user 102 who can use the navigation by the present system, and is the vehicle 101.
A user is a pedestrian by carrying out data communication with the information center 2 via the communication interface 16, the base station 4, and the wired and wireless communication lines such as the Internet 5 while being carried by the user 102 outside the. A navigation function or the like for the user 102 to a desired destination can be realized.

Further, the portable terminal 1 is mounted on the vehicle 101 by the user 102 getting on the vehicle 101 as an occupant (driver or the like), and in cooperation with the vehicle-mounted device 3, the communication interface 16 and the base station 4 are connected. By performing data communication with the information center 2 via wired and wireless communication lines such as the Internet 5 and the like, it is possible to realize a navigation function to a desired destination for the vehicle 101 as a vehicle navigation device. it can.

More specifically, the portable terminal 1 stores the software (software program) of the navigation function, which is stored in the memory (storage medium) 20, for guiding the route to the destination desired by the user. Have,
By appropriately executing this software by the CPU 11, the mobile terminal 1 provides the occupant of the vehicle 101 or the user 102 who is a pedestrian with a navigation function such as displaying the current position and route guidance. To be realized.

That is, the portable terminal 1 is operated outside the vehicle 101 by the user 102 so as to realize a navigation function for pedestrians, the operating state of the switch 13 by the user 102, GPS (global positioning, etc.). Positioning sensor 18 for system)
Present position information detected by, the pedestrian map information and route information (route history information) received from the information center 2, or the map information around the present position read from the pedestrian map memory / route memory 19 And a map image around the current position of the user 102 is displayed on the display 14 based on the route information (hereinafter, the map information and the route information are collectively referred to as “map information etc.”), and the destination desired by the user is displayed. If it is set, the route guidance of the user 102 who is a pedestrian is performed to the destination.

Here, the pedestrian map memory / route memory 19 includes map information for pedestrians to which version information is attached, and route guidance routes that the user has used (moved) as a pedestrian in the past. Or just out of the route
The history information of the favorite route that the user thought to be preferable is stored.

In the following description, the navigation using the display screen will be described as an example. However, in the preferred embodiment, when the route guidance or the like is performed, the voice input / output by the microphone / speaker 17 is appropriately used. Shall be included.

Further, the portable terminal 1 is operated by the user 102 in cooperation with the vehicle-mounted device 3 in order to realize a navigation function for the vehicle when the user brings the vehicle into the passenger compartment and is present inside the vehicle 101. 13 operation status, current position information detected by the GPS current position positioning sensor 18, vehicle map information and route information received from the information center 2, or the present time read from the vehicle map memory / route memory 15. A map image around the current position of the vehicle 101 is displayed on the display 14 based on map information around the position, information received from the vehicle-mounted device 3 (for example, output of a gyro sensor (not shown)), and a purpose desired by the user. When the ground is set, the route guidance of the vehicle 101 is performed to the destination.

Here, in the vehicle map memory / route memory 15, the vehicle map information to which version information is added and the route guidance route that the user has used (moved) in the past using the vehicle. Alternatively, the history information of the favorite route that the user thought to be preferable, out of the route traveled, is stored.

In this case as well, in the preferred embodiment, when the route guidance or the like is performed, the voice input / output by the microphone / speaker 17 is appropriately used.

When the mobile terminal 1 and the vehicle-mounted device 3 operate in cooperation with each other in this embodiment, a predetermined communication is performed between the wireless communication device 12 of the mobile terminal 1 and the wireless communication device 32 of the vehicle-mounted device 3. Short-range wireless communication procedure (for example, Bluetooth
Etc.) is adopted.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a navigation screen displayed when the vehicle navigation function is executed in the first embodiment. In this case, the navigation screen has a symbol indicating the current position of the vehicle 101 on the road 51.
It is a map image around the said present position shown above.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a navigation screen displayed when the navigation function for pedestrians is executed in the first embodiment. In this case, the navigation screen is a map image around the current position where the symbol indicating the current position of the user 102 (mobile terminal 1) is shown on the sidewalk 54, and the sidewalk 54 exists along the road 52. , A pedestrian crossing (or pedestrian bridge) 53 crossing the road 52, and the like.

When the navigation function for pedestrians or vehicles is realized as described above, the CPU of the portable terminal 1
11 is capable of performing internet communication, wireless communication, etc. stored in a memory (storage medium) 20 so as to receive pedestrian or vehicle map information and route information from the information center 2. By appropriately executing software of a general communication protocol, in a state where the mobile terminal 1 is connected (logged in) to the information center 2, via the communication line such as the Internet 5,
It constitutes a so-called server / client environment. The communication line between the mobile terminal 1 and the information center 2 described above may be a dedicated wireless line.

The CPU 31 of the vehicle-mounted device 3 detects the operation state of the ignition switch 33 and the state of the door switch 34 of the vehicle 101 by executing the software group stored in the memory 35 as appropriate, and also detects the detected information. , To the mobile terminal 1 using the wireless communication device 32.

The specific operation of this system will be described below in accordance with the individual operations of the mobile terminal 1, the information center 2 and the vehicle-mounted device 3.

<Mobile Terminal 1> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the navigation processing of the mobile terminal 1 in the first embodiment, and represents the operation procedure of the software program executed by the CPU 11 of the mobile terminal 1.

In the figure, step S1: The current position of the portable terminal 1 is detected by the general procedure using the current position positioning sensor 18.

Step S2: As described above, in the present embodiment, a predetermined short-range wireless communication procedure is adopted between the mobile terminal 1 and the vehicle-mounted device 3. Therefore, in this step, from the predetermined vehicle-mounted device 3 paired with the mobile terminal 1,
When a predetermined wireless signal including a pre-registered identification code is received, it can be determined that the mobile terminal 1 exists inside the vehicle 101, and thus the process proceeds to step S3. When the same signal is not received, the mobile terminal 1 Can be determined to exist outside the vehicle 101, the process proceeds to step S10.

That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the terminal exists in the vehicle by the user 102 who has the portable terminal 1 just getting into the vehicle 101, and the user 102 Even if the connection operation is not performed, the terminal can cooperate with the control device on the vehicle side, which is highly convenient.

However, the confirmation of the location of the portable terminal 1 in step S2 is detected by a method of confirming whether or not the terminal is attached at a predetermined position in the vehicle or connected by a communication cable, or detected in step S1. It may be confirmed by a method of determining whether the current position is on a road or a sidewalk (the same applies to the second embodiment).

Even when it is confirmed that the portable terminal 1 exists inside or outside the vehicle 101 in the determination in step S2, and the process described later is performed according to the result, the user When a predetermined switching operation of the switch 13 by 102 is detected, even if the mobile terminal 1 actually exists inside the vehicle 101, the processing from step S10 is performed, so that the outside of the vehicle is processed. Navigation processing for a pedestrian when the user moves as a pedestrian is performed, and conversely, the processing after step S3 is performed even when the mobile terminal 1 is actually outside the vehicle 101. Thus, the navigation processing for the vehicle is performed (the same applies to the second embodiment).

Step S3: In the case where the vehicle map information necessary for displaying the map image of the specified reduced scale to be displayed around the detected current position is stored in the vehicle map memory / route memory 15. To step S4, and if not stored, to step S6.

Steps S4 and S5: Whether the map information or the like stored in the vehicle map memory / route memory 15 is the latest is judged based on the version information or the like (step S4). If it is not the latest, Step S6
If it is the latest map information and the like, the map image for the vehicle around the current position is displayed on the display 14 using the information (step S5).

Step S6: A request signal for vehicle map information is transmitted to the information center 2. The request signal includes the current position information detected in step S1. If the mobile terminal 1 does not have a map image generation function based on map information, it is necessary to obtain the map image information itself from the information center 2.
In this case, in this step, the request signal includes information regarding the designated scale of the vehicle map image to be displayed.

Step S7: The vehicle map information received from the information center 2 in response to the transmission of the request signal in step S6 is stored in the vehicle map memory / route memory 1
5, the map image for the vehicle around the current position using the information is displayed on the display 14.

Step S8: The vehicle 1 is further added to the map image displayed in step S5 or step S7.
By displaying a predetermined symbol indicating the current position of 01, the screen as illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed.

Step S9: When the destination desired by the user is set, the vehicle 101 to the destination is displayed such that the route guidance route to the destination is displayed together with the displayed map image. The route guidance process of is executed.

Step S10: The pedestrian map memory / route memory 1 for the pedestrian map information and the like necessary for displaying the map image of the designated scale to be displayed at present around the current position.
If stored in No. 9, the process proceeds to step S13, and if not stored, the process proceeds to step S11.

Steps S13 and S14: Whether or not the map information and the like stored in the pedestrian map memory / route memory 19 is the latest is judged by the version information and the like (step S13). Proceeds to step S11, and if the latest map information etc.,
Using the information, a map image for pedestrians around the current position is displayed on the display 14 (step S14).

Step S11: A pedestrian map information request signal is transmitted to the information center 2. The request signal includes the current position information detected in step S1. Here, when the mobile terminal 1 does not have the function of generating a map image based on map information, it is necessary to obtain the information of the map image itself from the information center 2. In that case, in this step, The request signal includes information about the designated scale of the pedestrian map image to be displayed.

Step S12: The pedestrian map information and the like received from the information center 2 in response to the transmission of the request signal in step S11 is updated and stored in the pedestrian map memory / route memory 19, and the information is used. Display of map images for pedestrians around the current position 1
4 is displayed.

Step S15: For the map image displayed in step S12 or step S14,
By displaying a predetermined symbol representing the current position of the user 102 (portable terminal 1), the screen illustrated in FIG. 4 described above is displayed.

Step S16: When a destination desired by the user is set, a pedestrian to the destination such as a route guidance route to the destination is displayed together with the displayed map image. The route guidance processing of 102 is executed.

Here, when the portable terminal 1 determines that the terminal has moved from the outside to the inside of the vehicle 101 during route guidance based on the pedestrian map information or the like, the step S
The route guidance based on the vehicle map information or the like in 3 to step S9 is started, and at this time, the traveling direction of the vehicle 101 is the sidewalk where the terminal is located when it is determined that the terminal has moved into the vehicle. It is set to the original traveling direction of the roadway that is close to the side of the upper point.

If the above-described processing configuration is adopted, when the user starts moving by the vehicle while the user is moving as a pedestrian himself, the starting position of the vehicle navigation processing for the user is, for example, Japan. If so, it is set to the original traveling direction of the road that is close to the sidewalk while walking. With this, the navigation function for the vehicle
It can be started realistically and reasonably.

On the contrary, when the mobile terminal 1 determines that the terminal has moved from the inside of the vehicle 101 to the outside thereof while guiding the route based on the map information for the vehicle, etc., it walks in steps S10 to S16. When starting route guidance based on personal map information, the starting position is on the sidewalk near the point on the road where the vehicle was located when it was determined that the terminal moved outside the vehicle. Is set.

If the processing configuration as described above is adopted, when the user starts the movement as a pedestrian from the movement by the vehicle by himself / herself, if the start position of the pedestrian navigation processing for the user is, for example, Japan, When the vehicle is driving on the left side, it is set on the sidewalk on the left side of the road. This makes it possible to provide a realistic and rational pedestrian navigation function for the user even when there are sidewalks on both sides of a road that has been traveled by vehicles until then, which is convenient. high.

Step S17: Route history memory 20
The predetermined operation of the switch 13 for storing to the user 1
If it is performed by 02, the process proceeds to step S18,
If the operation is not detected, the process proceeds to step S19. This predetermined operation is performed by the user 102 when the user 102 prefers the route that he / she has traveled this time as a pedestrian or an occupant of the vehicle 101 and wants to use it again when he / she moves to a similar area at a later date.

Step S18: If the navigation process currently being performed is for a pedestrian, the route guidance path for that pedestrian or the route simply moved as a pedestrian is used as route history information as a pedestrian map memory / On the other hand, when the navigation process currently being performed is for a vehicle while being stored (added) in the route memory 19, the route guidance route for the vehicle or the route simply traveled by the vehicle 101 is used as the route history information as the vehicle history information. Map memory / route memory 1
Store in 5. Note that these route histories are recorded by the user 10
Information center 2 in the state of being associated with the user ID of 2
It may be stored in the database 23.

Step S19: When the user 102 performs a predetermined operation of the switch 13 for setting a route (destination setting) desired by the user, the process proceeds to step S20, and when the operation is not detected, step S21.
Proceed to.

Step S20: In the case of vehicle navigation processing, refer to the vehicle map memory / route memory 15 for use in calculating the route guidance route for the route (destination) desired by the user set in step S19. Is
In the case of pedestrian navigation processing, the pedestrian map memory / route memory 19 is referred to.

Step S21: When a predetermined operation of the switch 13 for reading the route history is performed by the user 102, the process proceeds to step S22, and when the operation is not detected, the process returns to step S1.

Step S22: The route history for the vehicle is read from the map memory / route memory 15 for the vehicle, and the route history for the pedestrian is stored in the map memory / route memory 1 for the pedestrian.
9 is read. The read individual route histories are listed on the display 14, and the selected route histories of the listed route are
The details about the route can be displayed and can be reflected in the route guide route calculated in step S20.

<In-vehicle device 3> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the in-vehicle device 3 in the first embodiment.
The operation procedure of the software program executed by the CPU 31 of the vehicle-mounted device 3 is shown.

In the figure, step S31: If the ignition switch 32 is in an operation state other than the off state, the process proceeds to step S32, and if it is in the off state, the process returns to step S31.

Step S32: If the operating state of the door switch 34 represents the open state of the door of the vehicle 101, the process returns to step S31, and if it represents the closed state, the process proceeds to step S33.

Step S33: A predetermined wireless signal including a pre-registered identification code is transmitted to a predetermined portable terminal 1 paired with the vehicle-mounted device 3 via the wireless communication device 32. This step is step S of the mobile terminal 1 described above.
2 (FIG. 5).

<Information Center 2> FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the navigation processing of the information center 2 in the first embodiment, and represents the operation procedure of the software program executed by the CPU 21 of the information center 2.

In the figure, step S41, step S42: When a request signal of vehicle map information is received from the portable terminal 1 which can use this system in step S41, the terminal included in the request signal. The vehicle map information and route information (route history information) of a predetermined area including the point corresponding to the current position information are read from the database 23, and the read map information and the like are read using the communication interface 22. It is transmitted to the terminal (step S42). Steps S41 and S42 are steps S6 of the mobile terminal 1 described above.
This is processing corresponding to (FIG. 5).

Step S43, Step S44: From the portable terminal 1 which can use this system in step S43,
When a request signal for pedestrian map information is received, the pedestrian map information and route information (route history information) in a predetermined area including the point corresponding to the current position information of the terminal included in the request signal are displayed. Database 2
The map information and the like that are read out from No. 3 are transmitted to the terminal using the communication interface 22 (step S44). Steps S43 and S44 are processes corresponding to step S6 (FIG. 5) of the mobile terminal 1 described above.

When the information center 2 receives the request signal from the portable terminal 1 which does not have the map image generating function in step S41 and step S43,
In steps S42 and S44, a map image in a predetermined data format is generated based on the map information for the vehicle or the pedestrian read from the database 23, and the information about the generated map image is transmitted to the mobile terminal 1. .

According to the above-described first embodiment, when the mobile terminal 1 is present inside the vehicle 101, the navigation process using the map information for the vehicle is performed, and the mobile terminal 1 is moved to the vehicle 101. When the user 102 exists outside the vehicle and moves as a pedestrian, navigation processing using map information for pedestrians and the like is performed. Thereby, two navigation functions for a vehicle and a pedestrian can be reasonably realized by using a single information terminal, which is highly convenient for the user.

Further, in the present embodiment, the navigation function for the vehicle and the navigation function for the pedestrian are provided to the user by using the two types of map information for the vehicle and the pedestrian. The displayed map screens are different, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (for vehicles) and FIG. 4 (for pedestrians). As a result, user convenience is improved, and a more rational and realistic navigation function can be realized.

Further, in the present embodiment, since route history information for vehicles and pedestrians can be stored in the system according to the user's request, when route guidance to a similar destination is made at a later date. In addition, at least a part of the desired route previously used by the user can be individually referred to for vehicle navigation and pedestrian navigation, and user convenience can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, since the information center 1 provides the mobile terminal 1 with the map information as needed, the map information to be prepared on the terminal side can be minimized. Moreover, it is reasonable that the map information of the necessary place can be obtained if necessary.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment based on the navigation system according to the above-described first embodiment will be described. In the following description, a duplicate description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the characteristic part of the present embodiment.

In the first embodiment described above, the case where the system configuration in which most of the processing functions for navigation is performed by the mobile terminal 1 has been described.
In this embodiment, the same function as that of the first embodiment is
A case in which the system configuration is distributed to the mobile terminal 1 and the information center 2 will be described.

In this embodiment described below, the portable terminal 1 does not have a function of generating a map image based on map information such as coordinate information, and the information center 2 is provided for the portable terminal. Will be described as an example in which the map image is distributed by the user. However, similar to the first embodiment, the mobile terminal 1 has a device configuration having a map image generation function, and the information center 2 includes coordinate information in the terminal. It may be configured to provide map information.

<Mobile Terminal 1> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the navigation processing of the mobile terminal 1 in the second embodiment, and represents the operating procedure of the software program executed by the CPU 11 of the mobile terminal 1.

In the figure, step S51: The current position of the portable terminal 1 is detected by the general procedure using the current position positioning sensor 18.

Step S52: When a predetermined radio signal including a pre-registered identification code is received from a predetermined vehicle-mounted device 3 paired with the mobile terminal 1, the mobile terminal 1 exists inside the vehicle 101. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S53, and when the same signal is not received, the portable terminal 1 exists outside the vehicle 101, and therefore the process proceeds to step S55.

Step S53: A request signal for vehicle map information is transmitted to the information center 2. The request signal includes the current position information detected in step S51 and, when a destination desired by the user is set, the position information of the destination.

Step S54: The map image for the vehicle around the current position received from the information center 2 in response to the transmission of the request signal in step S53 is displayed on the display 1.
4 is displayed. This map image (for example, the map image for the vehicle shown in FIG. 3) includes a predetermined symbol representing the current position of the vehicle 101, and if a destination desired by the user is set, the destination is reached. Includes display of taxiways.

Step S55: A pedestrian map information request signal is transmitted to the information center 2. This request signal includes the current position information detected in step S51. Here, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 1
Describes the case where does not have the map image drawing function based on the map information including the coordinate information and the information itself of the map image needs to be obtained from the information center 2. In that case, in this step, The request signal includes information regarding the designated scale of the map image to be displayed.

Step S56: The pedestrian map image around the current position (for example, the pedestrian map image shown in FIG. 4) received from the information center 2 in response to the transmission of the request signal in step S55 is displayed on the display 14. To be done. This map screen includes a predetermined symbol indicating the current position of the user 102 who owns the mobile terminal 1, and when a destination desired by the user is set, a route guidance route to that destination is displayed. Is included.

Step S57: Route history memory 20
The predetermined operation of the switch 13 for storing to the user 1
If it is performed by 02, the process proceeds to step S58,
If the operation is not detected, the process proceeds to step S59. This predetermined operation is performed by the user 102 when the user 102 prefers the route that he / she has traveled this time as a pedestrian or an occupant of the vehicle 101 and wants to use it again when he / she moves to a similar area at a later date.

Step S58: If the navigation processing currently being performed is for a pedestrian, a route for the pedestrian or a route simply moved as a pedestrian is stored in the database 23 of the information center 2 so that the route is stored. A predetermined request signal for storing history is transmitted to the information center 2.

Step S59: If a predetermined operation of the switch 13 for reading the route history is performed by the user 102, the process proceeds to step S60, and if the operation is not detected, the process returns to step S51.

Step S60: A predetermined request signal for reading the route history is transmitted to the information center 2.

Step S61: The vehicle route history and the pedestrian route history received from the information center 2 in response to the predetermined request signal transmitted in step S60 are displayed in a list on the display 14, and selected from the list display. As for the items, the details about the route can be displayed and can be reflected in the route guide route calculated in the process (step S79 in FIG. 10) on the information center 2 side described later.

<In-vehicle device 3> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the in-vehicle device 3 in the second embodiment.
In each of the steps S65 to S67 shown in the figure, substantially the same processing as the steps S31 to S33 of FIG. 7 in the above-described first embodiment is performed, but in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 1 uses the map. Since the case where the terminal does not have the function of generating a map image based on information has been described, the terminal has a function of drawing on the display 14 according to the map image information received from the information center 2.

<Information Center 2> FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the navigation processing of the information center 2 in the second embodiment, which is the CPU 21 of the information center 2.
Represents the operating procedure of the software program performed by the.

In the figure, step S71: When a request signal for vehicle map information is received from the portable terminal 1 which can use this system, the process proceeds to step S72,
If the signal is not received, the process proceeds to step S76. The step S71 is the step S53 of the mobile terminal 1 described above.
This is processing corresponding to (FIG. 8).

Step S72: The vehicular map information and route information of the predetermined area including the point corresponding to the current position information of the mobile terminal 1 included in the request signal whose reception is detected in step S71 is read from the database 23.

Step S73: Information on a predetermined symbol representing the current position of the vehicle 101 is further set to the map information and the like read out at step S71.

Step S74: When the destination signal desired by the user is set in the request signal whose reception is detected in step S71, the route guidance route to the destination is calculated. In the calculation of the route taxiway in this step, the vehicle map information (including one-way roads, traffic zones such as multiple lanes) stored in the database 23 is referred to, and the calculated route taxiway is used by the user. The route history information for the vehicle already stored in the database 23 is referred to so as to obtain the desired route.

Step S75: Based on the map information and the like prepared in steps S72 to S74, a map image in a predetermined data format (a symbol indicating the current position of the vehicle 101 and, if necessary, a route guide route is displayed. Including)
Is generated, and information about the generated map image is transmitted to the mobile terminal 1. Step S75 is a process corresponding to step S54 (FIG. 8) of the mobile terminal 1 described above.

Step S76: If a request signal for pedestrian map information is received from the portable terminal 1 that can use the present system, the process proceeds to step S77, and if not, the process proceeds to step S81. Step S76
Is a process corresponding to step S55 (FIG. 8) of the mobile terminal 1 described above.

Step S77: Pedestrian map information and route information of a predetermined area including a point corresponding to the current position information of the mobile terminal 1 included in the request signal whose reception is detected in step S76 is read from the database 23. .

Step S78: For the map information and the like read out in step S77, information of a predetermined symbol representing the current position of the user 102 carrying the portable terminal 1 is further set.

Step S79: When the destination signal desired by the user is set in the request signal whose reception is detected in step S76, the route guidance route to the destination is calculated. When calculating the route guide route in this step, the pedestrian map information (including route information such as a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian bridge, and a sidewalk on the side of the road) stored in the database 23 is referred to, and for example, a mobile terminal. When there is a request from No. 1 (when the user selects a desired route on the terminal: step S61 in FIG. 8), the calculated route guidance route is set to the route desired by the user.
The pedestrian route history information already stored in the database 23 is referred to.

Step S80: Based on the map information and the like prepared in steps S77 to S79, a map image in a predetermined data format (a symbol indicating the current position of the user 102 and, if necessary, a route guide route is displayed. (Including) is generated, and information about the generated map image is transmitted to the mobile terminal 1. Step S80 is a process corresponding to step S56 (FIG. 8) of the mobile terminal 1 described above.

Step S81, Step S82: When a predetermined request signal for storing a route history for a vehicle or a pedestrian is received from any portable terminal 1 which can use the present system, in Step S81, The route guidance route for the vehicle or the pedestrian, which is provided to the mobile terminal this time, or the route simply moved is stored in the database 23 as the route history information for the vehicle or the pedestrian to the user ID of the mobile terminal. It is stored (added) in the associated state (step S82). Step S8
1 and step S82 are processes corresponding to steps S57 and S58 (FIG. 8) of the mobile terminal 1 described above.

Steps S83 and S84: When a predetermined request signal for reading the route history for a vehicle or a pedestrian is received from any portable terminal 1 which can use the present system in step S83, The route history information for the vehicle or the pedestrian stored in the database 23 in the state of being associated with the user ID of the mobile terminal is read, and the read information is transmitted to the mobile terminal in a list display and a detailed display. (Step S84).

Here, the information center 2 is providing the map image including the route guidance route based on the pedestrian map information and the like,
When it is detected that the target portable terminal 1 has moved from the outside to the inside of the vehicle 101, the route guidance based on the vehicle map information and the like in steps S71 to S75 is started. The traveling direction of is set to the original traveling direction of the roadway that is close to the side of the point on the sidewalk where the terminal was located when it was determined that the terminal moved inside the vehicle.

If the processing configuration as described above is adopted, when the user starts moving by a vehicle while the user is moving as a pedestrian himself, the starting position of the vehicle navigation processing for the user is, for example, Japan. If so, it is set to the original traveling direction of the road that is close to the sidewalk while walking. With this, the navigation function for the vehicle
It can be started realistically and reasonably.

On the contrary, the information center 2 judges that the target portable terminal 1 has moved from the inside of the vehicle 101 to the outside thereof while providing the map image including the route guidance route based on the map information for the vehicle and the like. In this case, when starting the route guidance based on the pedestrian map information and the like in steps S76 to S80, the starting position is the position of the vehicle when it is determined that the terminal has moved outside the vehicle. It is set on the sidewalk near the side of the road.

If the above-described processing configuration is adopted, when the user starts the movement as a pedestrian from the movement by the vehicle himself / herself, if the start position of the pedestrian navigation processing for the user is, for example, Japan, When the vehicle is driving on the left side, it is set on the sidewalk on the left side of the road. This makes it possible to provide a realistic and rational pedestrian navigation function for the user even when there are sidewalks on both sides of a road that has been traveled by vehicles until then, which is convenient. high.

According to the second embodiment having such a system configuration, it is possible to enjoy the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above, and also to reduce the processing load on the portable terminal 1. Therefore, the cost of the terminal can be reduced.

The present invention described by taking each of the above-described embodiments as an example is a computer capable of realizing the functions of the flowcharts referred to in the description with respect to the portable terminal 1, the vehicle-mounted device 3, and the information center 2 described above. It is achieved by supplying the program and then reading it out to the CPU of the device and executing it. Further, the computer program supplied into the device may be stored in a readable / writable memory or a storage device such as a hard disk device.

Further, in the above-mentioned case, the method of supplying the computer program to each of the devices may be a method of installing the computer program through various recording media such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or the Internet. A general procedure can be adopted at present, such as a method of downloading from the outside via a communication line. In such a case, the present invention provides
It is composed of a program code or a storage medium.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a navigation system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall overview of a navigation system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplifying a navigation screen displayed when a navigation function for a vehicle is executed in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying a navigation screen displayed when a navigation function for pedestrians is executed in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a navigation process of the mobile terminal 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process of the vehicle-mounted device 3 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a navigation process of the information center 2 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a navigation process of the mobile terminal 1 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process of the vehicle-mounted device 3 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing navigation processing of the information center 2 in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: mobile terminal, 2: Information center, 3: In-vehicle device, 4: base station, 5: Internet, 11, 21, 31: CPU, 12, 32: wireless communication device, 13: switch, 14: Display, 15: Vehicle map memory / route memory, 16, 22: communication interface, 17: Microphone / speaker, 18: Current position measurement sensor, 19: Pedestrian map memory / route memory, 20, 24, 35: memory, 23: database, 33: Ignition switch, 34: Door switch,

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI theme code (reference) G09B 29/10 G09B 29/10 A H04Q 7/20 H04Q 7/04 Z (72) Inventor Kenichi Ikeda Fuchu, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture Machi Shinchi No. 3 Mazda Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C032 HB02 HB05 HB22 HB25 HC08 HC11 HC13 HC27 HD03 2F029 AA02 AA07 AB12 AB13 AC02 AC09 AC13 AC18 AC20 5H180 AA01 AA21 BB05 CC12 FF05 FF13 FF22 AFF21 FF22 AFF21 FF22 5A0 EE02 EE16 FF23 JJ52 JJ56 KK13 KK15

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. Between an information providing device capable of bidirectional communication via a communication line and an information terminal portable by a user, map information around the current position of the information terminal is transmitted from the information providing device to the map information. A navigation method for displaying at least a map image around the current position on the information terminal by providing the information terminal with first map information for vehicle navigation and second map information for pedestrian navigation. A storage step of storing in advance in a storage device, and when providing the information terminal with map information around the current position of the information terminal from the information providing device to the information terminal, if the information terminal is present in the vehicle, its current position While the peripheral map information is obtained from the first map information, when the information terminal is outside the vehicle, the map information around the current position is acquired from the second place. Navigation method characterized by having a map information providing step of obtaining the information. 2. The method further comprises a navigation step of guiding a route to a destination desired by the user by using the first or second map information obtained in the map information providing step. The route guidance performed for the occupants of the vehicle based on the first map information and the second route even at substantially the same point on the route guidance route.
2. The navigation method according to claim 1, wherein the mode at the time of route guidance is different from the route guidance performed for the user of the mobile terminal based on the map information. 3. The second map information includes at least information about a pedestrian passage, and the first map information includes at least information about a roadway excluding the pedestrian passage. The navigation method according to claim 2. 4. In the navigation step, when route guidance using the first or second map information is actually performed, route information representing the route guidance route is used for vehicle navigation and pedestrian navigation. 3. The navigation method according to claim 2, wherein the navigation information and the navigation information are separately stored so that they can be reused later. 5. In the navigation step, when it is determined that the information terminal has moved from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle during route guidance based on the first map information, the second
When starting route guidance based on map information, the start position is set to a sidewalk close to the side of the road on which the vehicle was located when it was determined that the information terminal had moved outside the vehicle. The navigation method according to claim 2, wherein: 6. In the navigation step, if it is determined that the information terminal has moved from the outside of the vehicle to the inside of the route during route guidance based on the second map information, the first
When starting the route guidance based on the map information, the traveling direction of the vehicle is a roadway that is close to the side of a sidewalk on which the information terminal was located when it was determined that the information terminal moved inside the vehicle. The navigation method according to claim 2, wherein the navigation direction is set in the original traveling direction of. 7. In the map information providing step, acquisition of map information around the current position from the first or second map information is performed in response to receiving the current position information from the information terminal. The navigation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: 8. The map information providing step determines whether or not the information terminal is present in the vehicle by a predetermined short-range wireless communication method between the information terminal and a control device mounted on the vehicle. The navigation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a determination step of determining whether or not the communication line according to (4) can be established. 9. The door of the vehicle by the user, in the map information providing step, even when it is determined that the information terminal is present in the vehicle due to the establishment of the communication line in the determining step. When the opening operation or the predetermined switch operation is detected, it is considered that the information terminal exists outside the vehicle, and the map information around the current position of the information terminal is obtained from the second map information. 9. The navigation method according to claim 8, wherein: 10. A map image around the current position of an information terminal that can be carried by a user is provided to the information terminal via a communication line, thereby displaying at least a map image around the current position on the information terminal. A storage device storing first map information for vehicle navigation and second map information for pedestrian navigation, and map information around a current position of the information terminal to the information terminal. When providing the information terminal, if the information terminal exists inside the vehicle, the map information around the current position is obtained from the first map information, while if the information terminal exists outside the vehicle, Map information around the current position is the second
A navigation device comprising: map information providing means obtained from map information. 11. A navigation device that can be carried by a user, wherein the storage device stores first map information for vehicle navigation and second map information for pedestrian navigation, and the navigation device is in a vehicle. Is present in
While the map information around the current position is obtained from the first map information, when the navigation device is outside the vehicle, the map information around the current position is obtained from the second map information.
A navigation device, comprising: map image display means for displaying at least a map image of the area around the current position of the navigation device, based on the acquired map information. 12. A computer program, characterized in that the navigation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 gives an operation instruction that can be realized by a computer having a communication function. 13. A computer program as the navigation device according to claim 10, which gives instructions to operate a computer having a communication function. 14. The computer program as the navigation device according to claim 11, wherein a user issues an instruction to operate a portable computer.