JP2003262524A - Navigation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To share a navigation system by selecting or exchanging a CD-ROM that is being used by various models. <P>SOLUTION: The navigation apparatus comprises a program storage means 42 for storing programs, program-reading means 40 and 47 that have a program- searching function and search a program corresponding to the model of the navigation apparatus from an information storage 3 for reading into the program storage means 42 for starting, and guidance output processing means 40, 44-46 that read data to be shared by a plurality of programs from the information storage 3, performs a program that is stored in the program storage means 42, and performs the output processing of guide information. The navigation apparatus uses the plurality of programs for each model of navigation apparatus, and the information storage 3 for storing data that are shared by the plurality of programs for performing the output processing of the guide information, and each model shares the information storage 3. <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 navigation device that searches a route to a passing point or a destination that has been input in advance, searches for and sets an optimum route, and performs route guidance according to the set route.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a program and data. Various vehicle navigation devices have been proposed that use display and voice to guide a route from a starting point or a current point to a destination through a transit point or the like. As is well known, the vehicle navigation device stores map data, guidance data for displaying / sounding the characteristics of intersections and waypoints in an information storage device, and inputs the starting point and the destination point. Search the guide route to the destination based on the map data (route search), or input the point of the waypoint or the destination to detect the present location and map the guide route from the present location to the destination through the waypoint Search based on the data, intersections and crossings according to the searched route, highway entrance,
The route guidance is provided by outputting guidance information such as the traveling direction at the exit or the like in combination with the display and voice. Therefore, as a vehicle navigation device, an input / output device that inputs and outputs information about route guidance, a current position detection device that detects information about the current position of the vehicle, navigation data and route guidance necessary for route calculation. It is provided with an information storage device in which necessary display / voice guidance data and the like are recorded, a central processing unit for performing route search processing and display guidance processing required for route guidance, and for controlling the entire system.

Generally, the information storage device is composed of files such as index, map data, search data, guide data, map matching data, destination data, etc. as shown in FIG. 8, and stores all data necessary for the navigation device. In many cases, the CD-ROM is used as an actual storage medium. In addition, the program is a map drawing unit (map drawing program), route search unit (route search program), route guidance unit (route guidance program), current position calculation unit (current position calculation program), destination setting operation. Application part consisting of control part (destination setting operation control program) and OS
The map drawing unit uses map data, the route search unit uses search data, the route guidance unit uses guidance data, the current position calculation unit uses map matching data, and the destination setting operation control unit uses Predetermined processing is performed using the destination data. Since the current position calculation unit can calculate the current position using the map data, if the map drawing unit and the current position calculation unit share the map data and omit the map matching data, the total data amount can be reduced. Can be reduced.

The current position calculation unit compares the azimuth information, distance information, etc. obtained from the signals of the relative azimuth sensor, the absolute azimuth sensor, and the distance sensor with the map data or the map matching data to detect the current position, and the destination. When there is a point input or a route search instruction such as, the route search unit searches the optimum route using the search data. Then, when the guidance is started, the route guidance unit displays the map showing the traveling direction centering on the current position, for example, and uses the guidance data according to the searched route to find intersections, characteristic points, and passage points. Information such as remaining distance, traveling direction at intersections, and characteristic points is displayed and output as voice to guide the route.

[0005]

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a CD-ROM used in a conventional vehicle navigation system.
It is a figure which shows the example of correspondence with the memory information of ROM and a central processing unit (ECU). In the conventional vehicle navigation device, only programs and data for route search and route guidance are stored in, for example, the CD-ROM in FIG. 10A, and applications and OS programs are stored in the central processing unit. Type and the type shown in FIG. 10 (b) in which the program and data are stored in the CD-ROM and the program memory area is prepared in the central processing unit so that the program is sequentially read. . In any of these types, each (each model) device is configured with its own program and its own data to perform its own route search and route guidance.
Therefore, it is not the same for the route search algorithm and its result, and for route guidance, how to display the map, how to express the current position, intersections and characteristic screens, voice information, timing, etc. Have their own characteristics and are slightly different. There is a selling point on the side that supplies vehicle navigation devices, and it is surpassing that.

Therefore, the central processing unit and the CD-ROM
As for the supply side, the set must always be prepared as a set. For the user, once the system is purchased as a set, the CD-RO of the manufacturer with the same specifications is always available.
Must use M. Therefore, FIG.
If there is a system having a CD-ROM storing a program A and data A of a model A as shown in (a) and a central processing unit, a service adopting a route search or route guidance peculiar to model A. I can only receive it, for example A
From a system having a central processing unit and a CD-ROM storing a program B and data B of a model B of another model whose way of thinking is different from that of the model B as shown in FIG.
CD-ROM storing program B and data B of the model
You cannot bring it and use it. For this reason, it is necessary to always wait for the manufacturer's support for updating the map and enriching the contents, and if the manufacturer's support is not available, the central processing unit must be changed together with the CD-ROM.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to solve the above problems and provides a navigation device which can share a navigation system by selecting and exchanging CD-ROMs used in various models. It is intended.

[0008]

To this end, the present invention provides a navigation device for outputting guidance to a preset destination, a program storage means for storing a program, and an information storage having a search function for the program. A program reading means for searching for a program corresponding to the model of the navigation device from the device and reading and starting the program in the program storage means; A guide output processing unit that executes and outputs guide information is provided, and a plurality of programs corresponding to each model of the navigation device and the information storage device that stores data shared by the plurality of programs are used. It is characterized in that it is configured to output the guidance information. Is shall.

[0009]

In the navigation apparatus of the present invention, the program storage means for storing the program, and the function for searching for the program are searched from the information storage device for a program corresponding to the model of the navigation device, and the program is loaded into the program storage means and activated. And a guidance output processing means for reading the data shared by a plurality of programs from the information storage device and executing the program stored in the program storage device to output the guidance information. Since the guide information output processing is performed using a plurality of programs corresponding to each model and the information storage device that stores data shared by the plurality of programs, the information storage device is configured for each model. Can be shared and is not fixed to the model of the central processing unit It is possible to provide a saturation navigation services.

[0010]

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 showing an embodiment of a vehicle navigation device to which the present invention is applied. A vehicle navigation device according to the present invention includes an input / output device 1 for inputting / outputting information regarding route guidance as shown in FIG.
A current position detection device 2 for detecting information about the current position of the own vehicle, navigation data necessary for route calculation, display / voice guidance data necessary for route guidance, and a plurality of programs (applications and / or O) of different models.
S) and the like are stored in the information storage device 3, route search processing and display / voice guidance processing necessary for route guidance are performed.
It is composed of a central processing unit 4 that controls the entire system. First, each configuration will be described.

The input / output device 1 instructs the central processing unit 4 to perform navigation processing according to the driver's intention so that the driver can input the destination or output the guidance information by voice and / or screen when the driver needs it. In addition, it has a function of printing out the processed data. As a means for realizing the function, the input unit has a touch switch 11 for inputting a destination by a telephone number or coordinates on a map, or for requesting route guidance, and an operation switch, and outputs. The section displays the input data on the screen, the display 12 that automatically displays the route guidance on the screen in response to the driver's request, the data processed by the central processing unit 4 and the data stored in the information storage device 3. A printer 13 for printing and a speaker 16 for outputting route guidance by voice are provided.

The display 12 is composed of a color CRT or a color liquid crystal display, and is necessary for navigation such as a route setting screen based on map data or guidance data processed by the central processing unit 4, a section map screen, an intersection map screen, etc. In addition to outputting all screens in color display, buttons for setting route guidance, guidance during route guidance, and screen switching operations are displayed on this screen. In particular, passing intersection information such as the name of a passing intersection is displayed in a pop-up color on the section map screen at any time.

The display 12 is provided in the instrument panel near the driver's seat, and the driver can confirm the current position of the vehicle by looking at the section map and obtain information on the route from now on. it can. Further, the display 12 is provided with a touch switch 11 corresponding to the display of the function buttons, and is configured to execute the above-mentioned operation based on a signal input by touching the button. The input signal generating means including the button and the touch switch constitutes an input section, but a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The current position detecting device 2 is a data receiving / transmitting device 2 for receiving a GPS receiving device 21 using a satellite navigation system (GPS), a beacon receiving device 22, for example, a GPS correction signal using a cellular phone or FM multiplex signal.
3. Absolute direction sensor 2 composed of geomagnetic sensor etc.
4, a relative direction sensor 25 including a wheel sensor, a steering sensor, a gyro, and the like, a distance sensor 26 that detects a traveling distance from the number of rotations of the wheel, and the like.

The information storage device 3 is an index having information such as data address, size, number of programs, etc., a program A for operating on the central processing unit of model A, and a program B for operating on the central processing unit of model B. CD-RO that stores data used for route search and route guidance, and other data necessary for navigation
It is M. The programs A and B are composed of a map drawing unit, a route search unit, a route guidance unit, a current position calculation unit, a destination setting operation control unit, etc. that operate on the A model and the B model, and an application unit that performs a signal output process of navigation and A program for performing processing such as route search, display output control necessary for route guidance, voice output control necessary for voice guidance, and data necessary for the program Stores display information data necessary for route guidance and map display. The data consists of files such as map data, search data, guidance data, map matching data, destination data, etc., and all data necessary for the navigation device is stored.

The central processing unit 4 includes a CPU 40 for executing various arithmetic processes, a ROM 4 in which a loader program (program reading means) necessary for reading an index and the program A or B from the information storage device 3 is stored.
1, a first RAM 42 that stores an index and a program A or B read from the information storage device 3 as a program storage unit, a set destination point coordinate, a road name code No. Based on the display output control signal from the CPU 40, the second RAM 43 for temporarily storing the searched route guidance information such as the data and the data being processed, the image memory 44 storing the image data used for the screen display on the display, and the CPU 40. Image data from the image memory 44, the image processor 45 that performs image processing and outputs the image data to the display, voices, phrases read from the information storage device 3 on the basis of a voice output control signal from the CPU, and a sentence grouped into one. , A voice processor 46 for synthesizing sounds and the like and converting the analog signals to output to the speaker 16, a communication interface 47 for exchanging input / output data by communication, and a sensor input interface for taking in sensor signals of the current position detecting device 2. 48, clock 4 for entering date and time in internal diagnostic information And and the like.
Here, the route guidance is performed by screen display and voice output, and the presence or absence of voice output can be selected by the driver. Further, in the above case, the memory for storing the program A or B is the RAM, but in the case of the RAM, the data is erased when the main power is turned off. Therefore, it is necessary to read the program at any time when the main power is input. Yes,
Slow response at startup. Therefore, there is also a method of using a flash memory or the like instead of the RAM to retain the program even when the main power is turned off.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the structure of the CD-ROM and a loader program prepared in the central processing unit, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing by the loader program, and FIG. It is a figure for explaining other examples of the flow of processing by a loader program.

CD-ROM (information storage device) shown in FIG.
Stores the index from the address d, the program A from the address a, and the program B from the address b.
Address space is allocated so that data (A) can be stored from address c. In addition, the structure of the index includes a data address, a data size, the number of programs, and program address information for each model. The program address information for each model includes a corresponding model (for example, A, B, ...), Version, program address, It consists of information about the program size. Program A
Is a program of the corresponding model A which is read and operated by the central processing unit of the A model, and a program B is a program of the corresponding model B which is read and operated by the central processing unit of the B model. The data (A) is used. In other words, this is a program B that operates on model B for data (A) so that data model (A) created for model A and navigation by program A can be serviced on model B as well. is there. Therefore, if the loader program of the central processing unit (ECU) is equipped with the function of reading the index and recognizing the address and size of the program A in the model A corresponding to this CD-ROM,
When the index is read as shown in (a), the program A is read next and the program memory (see FIG.
Since the data is stored in the first RAM 42), route search and route guidance can be performed using the data (A) of the A model.
Similarly, in model B, if the loader program of the central processing unit is provided with a function for recognizing the address and size of program B by reading the index,
When the index is read as shown in (b), program B is read next and the program memory (see FIG.
Stored in the first RAM 42), it is possible to perform route search and route guidance by the data (A) of the A model by the operation of the program B of the B model. In other words, CD-RO
M can be shared. Therefore, a CD-ROM composed of program A, program B and data of model B (B)
Is used as the central processing unit of model A, and program A of model A
It is also possible to perform route search and route guidance by the data (B) of the B model by the operation of.

The processing by the loader program as described above waits for the CD-ROM to be set as shown in FIG. 3 (step S11). When the CD-ROM is set, first, the index from the predetermined address d is set. Is read (step S12), and a compatible model is searched from the program address information for each type (step S13). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a compatible model (for example, A) (step S1
4) Since it cannot be used without a compatible model, a message to that effect is output and displayed (step S15), and if a compatible model is available, the program address, size, and version are stored in the program memory (step S1).
6) The program A from the predetermined address a is stored in the predetermined size reading program memory (step S17).
After that, the program A in the program memory is activated (step S18).

When there is a compatible model in the process of step S14, the version of the program is further compared with that in the program memory as shown in FIG. 4 (step S21). You may make it process. That is, if the versions are the same, the program A in the program memory is immediately
Is started (step S24), and if the version is different, the program address, size, and version are stored in the program memory (step S22), the program A is read from the predetermined address a to the predetermined size, and stored in the program memory. Yes (step S23). After that, the program A in the program memory is activated (step S24). By doing so, when the versions are the same, it is possible to omit the wasteful processing of steps S22 and S23 (steps S16 and S17 in FIG. 3), and it is possible to realize the quick activation of the program.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the structure of the CD-ROM and the loader program prepared in the central processing unit, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing by the loader program, and FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the mutual use relationship of CD-ROM and a central processing unit.

The example shown in FIG. 5 is a configuration example of a CD-ROM that does not store an index. Each of the programs A and B has a version and a program size as management information, and corresponds to such a CD-ROM. The read address of the program is set in the loader program of the central processing unit. For example, the loader program of the central processing unit of model A reads the program A from the address a as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), first, the management information is read and stored in the program memory, and then the program is read according to the program size of the management information and stored in the program memory. Navigation processing using (A) is performed. Further, the loader program of the B type central processing unit is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the program B is read from the address b. As shown in FIG. 6B, the management information is first read and stored in the program memory, and then the program according to the program size of the management information. Is stored in the memory for the program, and the navigation process using the data (A) of the model A is performed by starting the program B.

C of each of the A type and the B type as described above
FIG. 7 shows the mutual use relationship between the D-ROM and the central processing unit. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the data (A) of model A is stored, and the program A used by the central processing unit of model A and the program B used by the central processing unit of model B are stored. In the case of using a CD-ROM, the example shown in FIG. 7B is a program for storing the data (B) of the B model and using it in the central processing unit of the A model. This is the case of using a CD-ROM that stores the program B used in the apparatus. Thus, the central processing unit is provided with a loader program and a program memory for reading the program of its own from the CD-ROM, and the CD-ROM has a map drawing section, a route searching section, and a route guiding section. , A program A for each model of A and B, which is composed of an application section including a current position calculation section, a destination setting operation control section, and an OS section,
By storing all data necessary for the navigation device, which consists of files such as B, and map data, search data, guidance data, map matching data, destination data, etc. which are shared by each of these programs, The CD-ROM of the model can be shared, and the versatility and flexibility of the navigation device can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but various modifications can be made. For example, in the above embodiments, the CD-ROM is used as the information storage device, but it goes without saying that a memory card, an optical card, or another storage medium may be used as long as it is a small removable information storage medium. Also, a program was prepared for each model by combining a combination of an application section and an OS section. However, as a plurality of programs, there are a plurality of OS sections with high demands on hardware, and the application section is common. Good. In the embodiments, the navigation system that guides the route is developed, but the present invention can be similarly applied to navigation that does not guide the route like other location navigations, and further to a map information display device and the like.

The central processing unit (EC
Even in U), the change may occur in order to improve the function / performance. Even in such a case, in the conventional apparatus, it was necessary to create separate CD-ROMs, but according to the present invention, it is sufficient to create one type of CD-ROM, so that the productivity is improved. be able to.

Further, as an example of a combined configuration of an application and an OS stored in a CD-ROM, in the correspondence between different models, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the OS section corresponds to both the A model and the B model. The OS section may be divided into a common section for the A model and the B model and a dedicated section for each of A and B for storage. By doing so, the storage capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the OSs are separately provided. Further, in the correspondence between the upper models, as shown in FIG. 9B, for example, when it is possible to correspond to the A model and the B model of the A model, the application part and the OS part are respectively divided into those for A and those for B. Alternatively, the application section may be shared by A and B, and the OS section may be divided into a common section for A and B and a dedicated section for A and B as in FIG. 9A. It may be stored in memory. That is, it goes without saying that these combinations may be appropriately changed.

[0027]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the CD-ROM storing the navigation processing program of the model concerned without replacing the central processing unit.
If so, you can use other models, so you can receive various navigation services.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle navigation device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the structure of a CD-ROM and a loader program prepared in the central processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a flow of processing by a loader program.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of the flow of processing by the loader program.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the structure of a CD-ROM and a loader program prepared in the central processing unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a flow of processing by a loader program.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a mutual use relationship between a CD-ROM and a central processing unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a program and data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a correspondence example of a program configuration stored in a CD-ROM.

FIG. 10: Stored information of a CD-ROM and a central processing unit (EC) used in a conventional vehicle navigation system
It is a figure which shows the corresponding example of U).

FIG. 11: Stored information of a CD-ROM and a central processing unit (EC) used in a conventional vehicle navigation system.
It is a figure which shows the corresponding example of U).

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Input / output device, 2 ... Present position detection device, 3 ... Information storage device, 4 ... Central processing unit, 11 ... Touch switch, 12
... display, 13 ... printer, 16 ... speaker, 2
1 ... GPS receiver, 22 ... Beacon receiver, 23 ...
Data transmitting / receiving device, 24 ... Absolute direction sensor, 25 ... Relative direction sensor, 25 is distance sensor, 40 ... CPU, 41 ...
ROM, 42 ... First RAM, 43 ... Second RAM, 44 ...
Image memory, 45 ... Image processor, 46 ... Voice processor, 47 ... Communication interface, 48 ... Input interface

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C032 HB03 HB22 HC05 HC08 HC32                       HD03                 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB13 AC02                       AC20                 5B076 AB17 AC05                 5H180 AA01 BB13 CC12 FF04 FF05                       FF22 FF33

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A navigation device for outputting guidance to a preset destination, a program storage means for storing a program, and a program having a search function for the program and corresponding to a model of the navigation device from the information storage device. Program reading means for searching and reading into the program storage means and starting, and data shared by a plurality of programs from the information storage device to execute the program stored in the program storage means to perform guidance information output processing. And a guide output processing means, configured to perform a guide information output process using a plurality of programs corresponding to each model of the navigation device and the information storage device storing data shared by the plurality of programs. A navigation device characterized by the above. 2. The information storage device has a corresponding model and its index information for each of the plurality of programs, and the program reading means retrieves the corresponding model from the index information and reads the corresponding program. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the navigation apparatus is a navigation apparatus. 3. The information storage device is assigned a unique address for each compatible model with respect to the plurality of programs, and the program reading means sets a read address peculiar to the model in advance from the information storage device. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein a program corresponding to the model is read. 4. The information storage device has version information for each of the plurality of programs, and when the information storage device is set in the navigation device, the central processing unit of the navigation device corresponds to a model of the navigation device. 2. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the version of the program to be stored is compared with the version of the program stored in the storage unit, and if the versions are the same, the program stored in the storage unit is activated. . 5. The information storage device has version information for each of the plurality of programs, and when the information storage device is set in the navigation device, the central processing unit of the navigation device corresponds to a model of the navigation device. Comparing the version of the program to be stored with the version of the program stored in the storage means, and if the version is different, read the program corresponding to the model of the navigation device stored in the information storage device into the storage means. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein: