JP2004037392A - Gps positioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent elongation of a time required for frequent input requirement of a rough position to a user and for acquisition of the present position, while suppressing decline of positioning accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: This device is equipped with a rough position input part 1 for inputting the rough position relative to the present position as the need arises, a GPS reception part 2 including a GPS receiver 20, for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites based on the initial position by the GPS receiver 20 and determining the present position from the satellite signals, and a rough position input determination part 3 for determining whether the rough position is to be inputted as the initial position from the rough position input part 1 into the GPS reception part 2 or not based on a comparison result between the estimation accuracy to the actual present position on the preceding present position determined by the GPS reception part 2 and the accuracy to the actual present position on the rough position inputted by the rough position input part 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable GPS positioning device that receives satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites based on an initial position with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and obtains a current position from these satellite signals.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a GPS positioning device (hereinafter, referred to as a “GPS positioning device for a mobile object”) used in a mobile object such as an automobile or a ship receives a satellite signal from a plurality of GPS satellites based on an initial position with a GPS receiver. From these satellite signals, a pseudo distance from each GPS satellite to the GPS positioning device provided on the mobile object is obtained, and the current position of the mobile object is obtained from the pseudo distance and the position of the GPS satellite.
[0003]
Here, the initial position is the approximate position of the current position input by the user or the previous current position obtained by the GPS positioning device, and is used to receive satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, This contributes to speeding up the arithmetic processing for finding the current position.
[0004]
Since the GPS positioning device for a mobile unit repeatedly calculates the current position during operation, using the obtained current position as the initial position in the next positioning does not cause any practical problem, The GPS positioning device generally takes measures for when the obtained current position cannot be used as an initial position in the next positioning.
[0005]
That is, during the operation of the moving body, an error occurs between the previous current position and the actual current position, and when this error exceeds the error range estimated by the GPS receiver, the previous current position is set as the initial position. Even if it is attempted to receive satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, satellite signals cannot be received. For this reason, if a positioning result is not obtained within a predetermined time using a timer, measures such as expanding the frequency range for searching for a GPS satellite or stopping using the previous current position as the initial position can be taken. Be taken.
[0006]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-248084 discloses that, when an initial position is set in a self-positioning device, the approximate latitude and longitude of the own position can be easily obtained without knowing the approximate latitude and longitude information of the own position. A device capable of inputting information is described.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, with the progress of miniaturization and low power consumption of GPS positioning devices, GPS positioning devices (hereinafter referred to as “portable GPS positioning devices”) have been increasingly incorporated into portable terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs. I have.
[0008]
Since this portable GPS positioning device is unlikely to be used continuously unlike a GPS positioning device for a mobile object, the previous current position often differs greatly from the actual current position. If the GPS positioning device is used as it is, the user will frequently be required to input an initial position, or will frequently enter a process of expanding a frequency range for searching for a GPS satellite and take a long time to obtain a positioning result. Problems occur.
[0009]
There is already a GPS positioning device that obtains the position of the public wireless base station using a mobile phone or the like and uses the position of the public wireless base station as the initial position instead of the approximate position of the current position input by the user. are doing. According to this GPS positioning device, even if the previous current position often differs greatly from the actual current position, if the current position is within the area of the public wireless base station, the user is not required to input the initial position, A positioning result can be obtained.
[0010]
However, in this GPS positioning device, a communication means such as a mobile phone is an essential requirement. Therefore, even if the communication means is not required for the original use, the communication means must be provided, and the public wireless base station is arranged and managed. Time and effort. In addition, when the communication means is used, communication costs are incurred, and it takes time to acquire the position of the public wireless base station. In addition, depending on the installation density of public wireless base stations, the previous current position is often more accurate than the position of the public wireless base station. There is also a problem that the position of the public wireless base station is used as an initial position.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can prevent a user from frequently inputting an approximate position and prolonging a time required for acquiring a current position while suppressing a decrease in positioning accuracy. It is intended to provide a positioning device.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a GPS positioning apparatus including a general position input unit for inputting a general position of a current position when necessary, and a GPS receiver. A GPS receiver that receives satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites based on the position and obtains the current position from the satellite signals; and estimates the accuracy of the current position last obtained by the GPS receiver with respect to the actual current position. From the approximate position input unit to the GPS receiving unit, based on a comparison result of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit with the accuracy with respect to the actual current position, or based on the capture state of the GPS satellite by the GPS receiving unit. A rough position input determining unit for determining whether or not to input the rough position as the initial position.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning apparatus according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determining unit uses the elapsed time from the time when the current position was last obtained by the GPS receiving unit. Is calculated.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit calculates the estimation accuracy according to a user's action pattern.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning apparatus according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit obtains estimation accuracy of the current position last obtained by the GPS reception unit with respect to an actual current position, The estimated accuracy is compared with the accuracy of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit with respect to the actual current position. If a comparison result indicating that the estimated accuracy is better is obtained, the GPS receiving unit is compared. In the meantime, while the current position finally obtained is set as the initial position, if a comparison result indicating that the estimation accuracy is worse is obtained, the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit is set as the initial position. It is characterized by making a judgment.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the rough position input determining unit determines that the rough position is input from the rough position input unit to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position. If performed, one area is selected from a plurality of areas having a size corresponding to the accuracy of the predetermined approximate position, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position. If the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiving unit at the initial position, another area is selected from the plurality of areas, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, and the initial position is determined. If the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiving unit, another area is sequentially selected from the plurality of areas and the same processing is repeated.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the fifth aspect, the rough position input determining unit determines that the rough position is input as the initial position from the rough position input unit to the GPS receiving unit. If this is done, an area closest to the area to which the last calculated current position belongs is selected from the plurality of areas, and a rough position for this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, and the initial position If the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiving unit, an area next to the area to which the last obtained current position belongs is selected from the plurality of areas, and the approximate position of this area is changed to the initial position. Is input to the GPS receiver, and if the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiver at the initial position, the last position is obtained from the plurality of areas. And repeating the same process was the current position is sequentially selected areas near to the next area belongs.
[0018]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the fifth aspect, a positioning history holding unit that holds a priority order list including each of the plurality of areas and the number of times assigned to each of the plurality of areas. The general position input determination unit, when the current position is obtained by the GPS receiving unit, updates the priority list by increasing the number of times assigned to the area to which the current position belongs, If it is determined from the position input unit that the approximate position is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, an area assigned the largest number of times from each area in the priority list is selected, and The approximate position is input to the GPS receiver as the initial position, and if the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiver at the initial position, the priority order is set. An area to which the next largest number is assigned is selected from each area in the list, and an approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, and the current position is determined from the GPS receiving unit at the initial position. If not, an area to which the next largest number is assigned is sequentially selected from each area in the priority list, and the same processing is repeated.
[0019]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determining unit determines the number of GPS satellites for which satellite signals are being received by the GPS receiver as the GPS satellite acquisition state. If the number of GPS satellites is not equal to or greater than the number of GPS satellites required to determine the current position, it is determined that the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit is the initial position. Features.
[0020]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning apparatus according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit determines that the accuracy of the current position obtained by the GPS receiving unit is the positioning of the GPS satellite as the GPS satellite capture state. Is used as an index indicating how much the DOP is degraded, the value of which increases as the precision degrades. If this DOP is larger than a predetermined value, the DOP is input at the approximate position input unit. It is characterized in that it is determined that the approximate position is the initial position.
[0021]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the rough position input determination unit determines, as a capture state of the GPS satellite, an elevation angle of a GPS satellite whose satellite signal is being received by the GPS receiver. If the elevation angle and the azimuth angle are not within the preset elevation angle and azimuth angle setting ranges, respectively, the rough position input by the rough position input unit is determined as the initial position. Is performed.
[0022]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit uses a level of a satellite signal received by the GPS receiver as a capturing state of the GPS satellite. If the level of the satellite signal is lower than a predetermined level, it is determined that the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit is the initial position.
[0023]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, a timer is provided, and the timer determines that the rough position input by the rough position input unit is the initial position. It is characterized by starting.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
[0025]
The GPS positioning device of the first embodiment can be used for any of a GPS positioning device for a mobile object, a portable GPS positioning device, and the like, and as shown in FIG. A section 2 and a rough position input determination section 3 are provided.
[0026]
The approximate position input unit 1 is for inputting the approximate position of the current position when necessary and outputting it to the GPS receiving unit 2. In the example of FIG. 1, the approximate position input from the approximate position input determination unit 3 is used. The approximate position is output to the GPS receiving unit 2 according to the instruction.
[0027]
The GPS receiving unit 2 includes a GPS receiver 20. The GPS receiver 20 receives satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites based on an initial position (accuracy is also taken into consideration in FIG. 1), and from these satellite signals. In the example of FIG. 1, the current position obtained last by the GPS receiving unit 2 is output to the approximate position input determining unit 3 as a previous current position (previous position in the figure). The elapsed time from the last time the current position is obtained by the GPS receiving unit 2 is appropriately output to the approximate position input determining unit 3. Note that the positioning method by the GPS receiving unit 2 is the same as the conventional method, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0028]
The approximate position input determination unit 3 is a processing function that includes a ROM that stores a predetermined program, a CPU that reads and executes the program, and a main storage device. From the approximate position input unit 1 to the GPS based on a comparison result between the estimated accuracy of the actual current position (previous current position) and the accuracy of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 with respect to the actual current position. It is determined whether the approximate position is input to the receiving unit 2 as the initial position or the current position last obtained by the GPS receiving unit 2 is used as the initial position.
[0029]
Here, for example, when the user selects one of walking, a car, a train, or the like by a selection unit (not shown), the main storage device (or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM) stores the corresponding GPS positioning device. The maximum moving speed is stored. For walking, the maximum moving speed is stored for each user.
[0030]
The accuracy with respect to the actual current position of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 is determined by a method or style of inputting the approximate position, and is stored in the approximate position input unit 1 in advance in the first embodiment. . For example, a fixed value (in this case, the maximum separation distance within a range that the approximate position can take) is held as the accuracy of the approximate position.
[0031]
Then, the approximate position input determining unit 3 calculates the maximum moving distance of the GPS positioning device by multiplying the elapsed time from the GPS receiving unit 2 by the maximum moving speed of the user, and calculates the calculated maximum moving distance. The estimation accuracy of the position is used as the estimation accuracy, and the estimation accuracy is compared with the accuracy of the approximate position. If a comparison result indicating that the estimation accuracy of the previous current position is better is obtained, the GPS receiving unit 2 calculates the accuracy. The previous current position obtained is set as the initial position (in other words, the approximate position is not input from the approximate position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2 as the initial position), but the estimation accuracy of the previous current position is worse. Is determined, the rough position input by the rough position input unit 1 is determined to be the initial position.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the GPS positioning device will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, when the approximate position input determination unit 3 obtains the elapsed time from the last time the current position was obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 (S1), the general position input determination unit 3 receives the current position (previous position) from the GPS reception unit 2. Is determined (S2). If the current position is not obtained (Yes in S2), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S3), and the rough position about the current position is transmitted from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. To enter.
[0033]
On the other hand, if the current position is obtained (No in S2), the approximate position input determination unit 3 determines the maximum moving speed of the user (for each positioning device holder in FIG. The maximum moving distance is calculated by multiplying by the (set maximum moving speed), and this is used as the estimation accuracy of the previous current position (S4). Subsequently, the accuracy of the approximate position is acquired from the approximate position input unit 1 (S5), and it is determined whether or not the estimation accuracy of the previous current position is smaller than the accuracy of the approximate position (good) (S6). If the estimation accuracy is better (Yes in S6), the previous current position is set as the initial position, and the rough position input unit 1 does not input the rough position to the GPS receiving unit 2 (S7). On the other hand, if the estimation accuracy is not good (No in S6), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S3), and the rough position about the current position is input from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. To do.
[0034]
According to such a GPS positioning device, the last current position obtained by the GPS receiving unit 2 is used as much as possible according to the user's action pattern, so that the time required to obtain the current position is shortened. be able to. Also, when the user performs positioning at a location far from the previous positioning position, prompting the input of the approximate position is promptly performed, and a result that the positioning takes too long or cannot be returned is returned. Can be prevented. In short, it is possible to prevent the user from frequently inputting the approximate position and prolonging the time required to acquire the current position while suppressing a decrease in the positioning accuracy without using a communication unit such as a mobile phone.
[0035]
In the first embodiment, the accuracy of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 with respect to the actual current position is, for example, a fixed value. However, as illustrated in FIG. When the position of the station 8 is used as the approximate position, the area covered by the wireless base station 8 can be used as accuracy. Here, in FIG. 3, the wireless communication unit 4 is for performing wireless communication via the wireless base station 8, and the position (approximate position) of each wireless base station 8 and its accuracy are the same as in the related art. Is used to acquire the position and accuracy of the nearest wireless base station 8 from the base station position management server 9 which manages
[0036]
(2nd Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 4, the GPS positioning device according to the second embodiment includes a general position input unit 1 and a GPS receiving unit 2 in the same manner as the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment. And a general position input determination unit 3A.
[0038]
The rough position input determining unit 3A is different from the rough position input determining unit 3 of the first embodiment in that it determines that a rough position is input from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2 as an initial position. One area is selected from a plurality of areas which are predetermined and have a size corresponding to the accuracy of the approximate position, and the approximate position of the area is input to the GPS receiving unit 2 as an initial position, and the GPS position is determined by the initial position. If the current position is not obtained from the receiving unit 2, another area is selected from a plurality of areas, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit 2 as an initial position. If the current position is not obtained, another area is sequentially selected from the plurality of areas and the same processing is repeated. It is assumed that information on a plurality of areas is held in the approximate position input unit 1.
[0039]
More specifically, if it is determined that the approximate position is input as the initial position from the approximate position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2, the closest one of the plurality of areas to the area to which the current position obtained last is located. An area is selected, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiver 2 as an initial position. If the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiver 2 at the initial position, the current position is finally obtained from a plurality of areas. An area next to the area to which the current position belongs is selected, the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiver 2 as an initial position, and if the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiver 2 at the initial position, a plurality of , An area next to the area to which the current position finally obtained belongs to is sequentially selected, and the same processing is repeated.
[0040]
In other words, one area is sequentially selected from the area closest to the area to which the last obtained current position (previous current position) belongs. For example, if the whole country is divided by an area such as a circle or a square having a radius of 150 km, the center position of the area is the approximate position, and the distance from this approximate position to the outer peripheral position of the farthest area is accurate. For the sake of simplicity, if the whole country is divided into areas such as Kinki, Kanto, Tokai, Hokuriku, etc., if the area to which the previous current position belongs is Kinki, the area is selected in the order of Tokai or Hokuriku, Kanto. However, if there are a plurality of areas closest to the area to which the previous current position belongs, for example, if each area is selected in order clockwise from the area adjacent to the north side of the area to which the previous current position belongs Good.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the GPS positioning device will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when the approximate position input determination unit 3A obtains the elapsed time from the last time the current position was obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 (S10), the general position input determination unit 3A receives the current position (previous position) from the GPS reception unit 2. Is determined (S11). If the current position is not obtained (Yes in S11), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S12), and the rough position about the current position is sent from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. To enter.
[0042]
On the other hand, if the current position is obtained (No in S11), the approximate position input determining unit 3A calculates the maximum moving distance by multiplying the elapsed time from the GPS receiving unit 2 by the maximum moving speed of the user, This is used as the estimation accuracy of the previous current position (S13). Subsequently, the accuracy of the approximate position of the area to which the previous current position belongs is obtained from the approximate position input unit 1 (S14), and whether or not the estimated accuracy of the previous current position is greater than the accuracy of the approximate position (bad). Is determined (S15). If it is not bad (No in S15), the previous current position is set as the initial position, and the rough position input unit 1 does not input the rough position to the GPS receiving unit 2 (S7).
[0043]
On the other hand, if bad (Yes in S15), the approximate position input determining unit 3A causes the approximate position input unit 1 to input the approximate position of the area next to the area to which the previous current position belongs to the GPS receiving unit 2. Is output (S17). Thereafter, a positioning waiting timer (not shown) is started (S18), and it is determined whether or not positioning has been completed at the time when the timer fires (time-up) (S19). If the positioning has not been completed (No in S19), the process returns to step S17, while if the positioning has been completed (Yes in S19), the determination is terminated (S20).
[0044]
According to such a GPS positioning device, even when the user is moving out of the accuracy range of the approximate position, the positioning can be performed by switching the approximate position, so that the accuracy range of each approximate position is set to be narrow. Can improve the performance. In addition, by switching the approximate positions in order from the position closest to the previous position, the probability that a correct approximate position is set earlier is increased, thereby improving the performance during normal use.
[0045]
In addition, when using the area of the radio base station as shown in FIG. 3, first, while the estimation accuracy is better, the previous current position is used as the initial position, and if the estimation accuracy is worse, a plurality of areas are used. The positioning is attempted sequentially using the approximate position as an initial position, and if positioning is still not possible, the area information of the wireless base station is used, so that the generation of communication costs can be minimized. In a place where the area of the wireless base station cannot be used, an input instruction of the approximate position is manually issued to the user as in the related art.
[0046]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 6, the GPS positioning device according to the third embodiment includes a general position input unit 1 and a GPS receiving unit 2 as in the second embodiment, and differs from the second embodiment. A positioning history storage unit 5 and a rough position input determination unit 3B.
[0048]
The positioning history storage unit 5 holds a priority list including information on a plurality of areas and the number of times assigned to each of the plurality of areas. This priority order list is created during the processing of the approximate position input determination unit 3B, and is updated as appropriate.
[0049]
The rough position input determining unit 3B is different from the rough position input determining unit 3A of the second embodiment in that, when the current position is obtained by the GPS receiving unit 2, the number of times that the current position belongs to the area is determined. While the priority list is incremented and updated, if it is determined that the approximate position is input as the initial position from the approximate position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2, the largest number of times is assigned from each area of the priority list. Is selected, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit 2 as an initial position. If the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiving unit 2 at the initial position, the area in the priority order list is next. An area to which a large number of times are assigned is selected, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit 2 as an initial position. If the current position obtained from the same process is repeated sequentially selects an area number often the next from each area of the priority list is assigned. That is, until the current position is obtained from the GPS receiving unit 2, the approximate position of the area having a large number of times is sequentially input to the GPS receiving unit 2 as an initial position.
[0050]
Next, the operation of the GPS positioning device will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, when the approximate position input determination unit 3B obtains the elapsed time from the time when the current position was last obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 (S21), whether the current position has been obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 is determined. It is determined whether or not it is (S22). If the current position is not obtained (Yes in S22), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S23), and the rough position about the current position is transmitted from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. To enter.
[0051]
On the other hand, if the current position is obtained (No in S22), the approximate position input determining unit 3B calculates the maximum moving distance by multiplying the elapsed time from the GPS receiving unit 2 by the maximum moving speed of the user, This is set as the estimation accuracy of the previous current position (S24). Subsequently, the approximate position input determination unit 3B acquires the positioning history from the positioning history storage unit 5, acquires a plurality of approximate positions that can be input from the approximate position input unit 1, and determines the range of each approximate position from the positioning history. The number of times of positioning is counted, and a priority list of approximate positions is created in descending order of the number of times (S25). Here, it is also possible to weight the positioning history according to the elapsed time so that the higher the number of times of recent positioning, the higher the priority.
[0052]
Thereafter, the accuracy of the approximate position of the area to which the previous current position belongs is acquired from the approximate position input unit 1 (S26), and whether the estimated accuracy of the previous current position is greater (bad) than the accuracy of the acquired approximate position. It is determined whether or not it is (S27). If the estimation accuracy of the previous current position is better (No in S27), the previous current position is set as the initial position, and the rough position input unit 1 does not input the rough position to the GPS receiving unit 2 (S28). The history of this processing content is stored in the positioning history storage unit 5 (S29).
[0053]
On the other hand, if the estimation accuracy is worse (Yes in S27), the approximate position input determination unit 3B sends the approximate position input unit 1 the area in the priority order list in the order of the number of times of allocation that is larger. An input instruction for inputting the approximate position of the area to the GPS receiver 2 is output (S30). Thereafter, a positioning waiting timer (not shown) is started (S31), and it is determined whether or not positioning has been completed at the time when the timer fires (time-up) (S32). If the positioning has not been completed (No in S32), the process returns to step S30. If the positioning has been completed (Yes in S32), the number of times corresponding to the approximate position in the priority list is incremented. The history is stored in the positioning history storage unit 5 (S29).
[0054]
According to such a GPS positioning device, even when the user is moving out of the accuracy range of the approximate position, the positioning can be performed by switching the approximate position, so that the accuracy range of each approximate position is set to be narrow. Can improve the performance. In addition, by switching the approximate positions in the order of the priority list created from the positioning history, the probability that the correct approximate position is set quickly by reflecting the user's action pattern increases, thereby improving the performance during normal use. .
[0055]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 8, the GPS positioning device of the fourth embodiment includes a general position input unit 1 and a GPS receiving unit 2 as in the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment. A timer 6 and a rough position input determining unit 3C.
[0057]
The rough position input determining unit 3C determines whether or not to input the rough position from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2 as an initial position based on the GPS satellite capturing state of the GPS receiving unit 2. In the fourth embodiment, the number of GPS satellites for which satellite signals are being received by the GPS receiver 20 is used as the GPS satellite capture state, and the number of GPS satellites is necessary to determine the current position. If the number is not more than the number of GPS satellites, it is determined that the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 is the initial position.
[0058]
Next, the operation of the GPS positioning device will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, when the approximate position input determination unit 3C acquires the elapsed time from the time when the current position is obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 (S40), it determines whether the current position is obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 or not. Is determined (S41). If the current position is not obtained (Yes in S41), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S42), and the rough position for the current position is sent from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. To enter.
[0059]
On the other hand, if the current position is obtained (No in S41), the GPS receiving unit 2 starts the positioning operation with the previous current position as the initial position (S43), and the rough position input determining unit 3C sets the time-out value to the timer. 6 and is activated (S44). Here, as the timeout value, an expected value of the positioning time in the accuracy range of the previous position, an expected value of the positioning time when the approximate position of the approximate position input unit 1 is input, and the like can be considered.
[0060]
When the time-out value is reached, the approximate position input determination unit 3C acquires the number of GPS satellites for which satellite signals are being received by the GPS receiver 20 (S45), and the number of GPS satellites is necessary for obtaining the current position. It is determined whether the number is equal to or greater than the number of GPS satellites (S46). If the acquired number of GPS satellites is not equal to or greater than the number of GPS satellites (for example, 3) required for obtaining the current position (Yes in S46), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S42). The approximate position of the current position is input to the GPS receiving unit 2 from the approximate position input unit 1, and the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 is set as the initial position. On the other hand, if the acquired number of GPS satellites is equal to or greater than the number of GPS satellites necessary for obtaining the current position (No in S46), the previous current position is set as the initial position, and the approximate position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit In step S47, the approximate position is not input.
[0061]
According to such a GPS positioning device, frequent requests for input of the approximate position and acquisition of the current position to the user are prolonged while suppressing a decrease in the positioning accuracy without using communication means such as a mobile phone. Can be prevented.
[0062]
The required satellites are acquired by acquiring the signal level of the acquired satellite from the GPS receiver 2 and setting the number of satellites above a certain signal level as a reference for the number of acquired satellites. Therefore, it is possible to prevent that positioning cannot be performed.
[0063]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 10, the GPS positioning device according to the fifth embodiment includes a general position input unit 1, a GPS receiving unit 2, and a timer 6 in the same manner as the fourth embodiment. As a difference from the first embodiment, a rough position input determination unit 3D is provided.
[0065]
The approximate position input determination unit 3D is an index indicating how much the accuracy (positioning accuracy) of the current position obtained by the GPS receiving unit 2 is deteriorated by the arrangement of the GPS satellites as the GPS satellite capture state. A DOP (dilution of precision) whose value increases as the deterioration increases is used. If this DOP is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 is an initial position. Things.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the GPS positioning device will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the approximate position input determination unit 3D acquires the elapsed time from the time when the current position was obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 (S50), it determines whether the current position has been obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 or not. Is determined (S51). If the current position is not obtained (Yes in S51), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S52), and the rough position about the current position is sent from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. To enter.
[0067]
On the other hand, if the current position is obtained (No in S51), the GPS receiving unit 2 starts the positioning operation with the previous current position as the initial position (S43), and the rough position input determining unit 3D sets the time-out value to the timer. 6 and is activated (S54).
[0068]
When the timeout value is reached, the approximate position input determining unit 3D acquires a DOP from the GPS receiving unit 2 (S55), and determines whether or not this DOP is equal to or less than the DOP required for positioning, that is, the acquired DOP is determined in advance. It is determined whether or not the value is larger than a set predetermined value (upper limit) (S56). If it is larger than the predetermined value (Yes in S56), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S52), and the rough position about the current position is input from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. The approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 is defined as an initial position. On the other hand, if it is not larger than the predetermined value (No in S56), the previous current position is set as the initial position, and the rough position input unit 1 does not input the rough position to the GPS receiving unit 2 (S57).
[0069]
According to such a GPS positioning device, frequent requests for input of the approximate position and acquisition of the current position to the user are prolonged while suppressing a decrease in the positioning accuracy without using communication means such as a mobile phone. Can be prevented.
[0070]
The required satellites were captured by acquiring the position and signal level of the captured satellite from the GPS receiver 2 and calculating the DOP for the satellites having a certain signal level or higher as a reference for the number of captured satellites. It is also possible to prevent that positioning is not possible due to instability.
[0071]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device of a sixth embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 12, the GPS positioning device according to the sixth embodiment includes a general position input unit 1, a GPS receiving unit 2, and a timer 6 in the same manner as the fourth embodiment. As a different point from the first embodiment, a rough position input determination unit 3E is provided.
[0073]
The approximate position input determination unit 3E uses the elevation angle and the azimuth angle of the GPS satellite whose satellite signal is being received by the GPS receiver 20 as the GPS satellite capture state, and the elevation angle and the azimuth angle are set in advance. If it is not within the setting range of the elevation angle and the azimuth angle, it is determined that the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 is set as the initial position.
[0074]
Here, when the previous current position is greatly deviated from the actual current position, a bias is generated depending on the direction in which the azimuth angle of the captured satellite is deviated. In addition, the effect of the displacement is more susceptible to a satellite having a lower elevation angle. Therefore, the approximate position input determination unit 3E divides the sky into two equal parts according to the azimuth, and determines whether or not one or more satellites having a certain elevation or less are captured in each range. And confirm that the approximate position is not input to the GPS receiving unit 2 if the capture is possible.
[0075]
Next, the operation of the GPS positioning device will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, when the approximate position input determination unit 3E obtains the elapsed time from the time when the current position is obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 (S60), it determines whether the current position is obtained from the GPS reception unit 2 or not. Is determined (S61). If the current position is not obtained (Yes in S61), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S62), and the rough position about the current position is transmitted from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2. To enter.
[0076]
On the other hand, if the current position is obtained (No in S61), the GPS receiving unit 2 starts the positioning operation with the previous current position as the initial position (S63), and the rough position input determining unit 3E sets the timeout value to the timer. 6 and is activated (S54).
[0077]
When the timeout value is reached, the approximate position input determination unit 3E acquires the elevation angle and the azimuth angle of the GPS satellite whose satellite signal is being received by the GPS receiver 20 from the GPS reception unit 2 (S65). Whether these elevation angles and azimuth angles do not have the distribution of elevation angles and azimuth angles required for positioning, that is, whether the acquired elevation angles and azimuth angles are not within the preset elevation angle and azimuth angle setting ranges, respectively. Is determined (S66). If not (Yes in S66), a rough position input instruction is output to the rough position input unit 1 (S62), and the rough position about the current position is input from the rough position input unit 1 to the GPS receiving unit 2, The approximate position input by the approximate position input unit 1 is defined as an initial position. On the other hand, if it is present (No in S66), the previous current position is set as the initial position, and the rough position input unit 1 does not input the rough position to the GPS receiving unit 2 (S67).
[0078]
According to such a GPS positioning device, frequent requests for input of the approximate position and acquisition of the current position to the user are prolonged while suppressing a decrease in the positioning accuracy without using communication means such as a mobile phone. Can be prevented.
[0079]
The signal level of the satellite captured from the GPS receiver 2 is also acquired, and the fact that the signal level exceeds a certain level is added to the satellite capture determination condition, thereby capturing the required satellite, but the signal is unstable. For this reason, it is also possible to prevent that positioning cannot be performed.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a general position input unit for inputting a general position of the current position when necessary, and a GPS receiver. A GPS receiver for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites based on the initial position and obtaining a current position from the satellite signals, and estimating an actual current position of a current position last obtained by the GPS receiver. From the approximate position input unit to the GPS, based on a result of comparison between accuracy and the accuracy of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit with respect to the actual current position, or the state of capture of the GPS satellite by the GPS receiving unit. A general position input determining unit for determining whether to input the general position to the receiving unit as the initial position; It is possible to prevent the lengthening of the time required for acquisition of the input request and the current position of the frequent approximate position for the user. In other words, performance improvement during normal use is realized by minimizing the estimation accuracy range of the last calculated current position (previous current position), and the error of the previous current position with respect to the actual current position is reduced. Even when the estimation accuracy range is exceeded, it is possible to minimize the performance degradation. As a result, even when the actual current position has moved considerably from the previous current position, performance deterioration such as deterioration of positioning performance or a longer time required for positioning without providing communication means and the like. In the case where communication means is provided, the performance can be optimized by selectively using the previous current position and the approximate position obtained from the communication means.
[0081]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning apparatus according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determining unit uses the elapsed time from the time when the current position was last obtained by the GPS receiving unit. Therefore, when the elapsed time is short, that is, when starting and stopping are repeated many times in a short time, an improvement in performance can be expected.
[0082]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning apparatus according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit calculates the estimation accuracy according to a user's action pattern, so that the user's movement is small. It can be expected that the performance will be further improved. Further, even in applications where the user moves frequently, it is possible to prevent performance degradation due to the error of the last calculated current position (previous current position) from the actual current position exceeding the estimated accuracy range.
[0083]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning apparatus according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit obtains estimation accuracy of the current position last obtained by the GPS reception unit with respect to an actual current position, The estimated accuracy is compared with the accuracy of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit with respect to the actual current position. If a comparison result indicating that the estimated accuracy is better is obtained, the GPS receiving unit is compared. In the meantime, while the current position finally obtained is set as the initial position, if a comparison result indicating that the estimation accuracy is worse is obtained, the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit is set as the initial position. Since the judgment is performed, the optimum performance can be obtained by using the one with the higher accuracy among the last obtained current position (previous current position) and the approximate position. Further, when the approximate position is acquired from the outside, it is possible to prevent unnecessary acquisition of the approximate position.
[0084]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the rough position input determining unit determines that the rough position is input from the rough position input unit to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position. If performed, one area is selected from a plurality of areas having a size corresponding to the accuracy of the predetermined approximate position, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position. If the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiving unit at the initial position, another area is selected from the plurality of areas, and the approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, and the initial position is determined. If the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiving unit, another area is sequentially selected from the plurality of areas and the same processing is repeated. In addition to improving the performance by minimizing the degree range, if the user's movement exceeds the range of one general position, the performance is minimized by covering it with another general position. Is possible.
[0085]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the fifth aspect, the rough position input determining unit determines that the rough position is input as the initial position from the rough position input unit to the GPS receiving unit. If this is done, an area closest to the area to which the last calculated current position belongs is selected from the plurality of areas, and a rough position for this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, and the initial position If the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiving unit, an area next to the area to which the last obtained current position belongs is selected from the plurality of areas, and the approximate position of this area is changed to the initial position. Is input to the GPS receiver, and if the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiver at the initial position, the last position is obtained from the plurality of areas. Since the area next to the area to which the current position belongs is sequentially selected and the same process is repeated, the performance is improved by preferentially inputting the approximate position having a high possibility from a plurality of approximate positions. Can be expected.
[0086]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the fifth aspect, a positioning history holding unit that holds a priority order list including each of the plurality of areas and the number of times assigned to each of the plurality of areas. The general position input determination unit, when the current position is obtained by the GPS receiving unit, updates the priority list by increasing the number of times assigned to the area to which the current position belongs, If it is determined from the position input unit that the approximate position is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, an area assigned the largest number of times from each area in the priority list is selected, and The approximate position is input to the GPS receiver as the initial position, and if the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiver at the initial position, the priority order is set. An area to which the next largest number is assigned is selected from each area in the list, and an approximate position of this area is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, and the current position is determined from the GPS receiving unit at the initial position. If not, an area to which the next highest number is assigned is sequentially selected from each area in the priority list and the same processing is repeated, so that a plurality of approximate positions are input in descending order of possibility of being correct. Therefore, performance improvement can be expected.
[0087]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determining unit determines the number of GPS satellites for which satellite signals are being received by the GPS receiver as the GPS satellite acquisition state. If the number of GPS satellites is not equal to or greater than the number of GPS satellites required to determine the current position, it is determined that the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit is the initial position. If the accuracy of the last estimated current position (previous current position) is narrowed to improve the performance at normal times, and if the error of the previous current position with respect to the actual current position exceeds the estimated accuracy range, Even if a satellite cannot be acquired, it is possible to minimize the deterioration of performance by detecting the satellite promptly and inputting the approximate position.
[0088]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning apparatus according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit determines that the accuracy of the current position obtained by the GPS receiving unit is the positioning of the GPS satellite as the GPS satellite capture state. Is used as an index indicating how much the DOP is degraded, the value of which increases as the precision degrades. If this DOP is larger than a predetermined value, the DOP is input at the approximate position input unit. Since it is determined that the approximate position is the initial position, it can be used as a criterion for determining whether or not the minimum number of satellites required for positioning are acquired. Even if the error of the current position exceeds the estimation accuracy range, by minimizing the deterioration of the performance, the estimation accuracy range of the previous current position is narrowed to improve the normal performance. So it becomes possible.
[0089]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the rough position input determination unit determines, as a capture state of the GPS satellite, an elevation angle of a GPS satellite whose satellite signal is being received by the GPS receiver. If the elevation angle and the azimuth angle are not within the preset elevation angle and azimuth angle setting ranges, respectively, the rough position input by the rough position input unit is determined as the initial position. Since the effect on the satellite acquisition due to the error of the last obtained current position (previous current position) differs depending on the elevation angle of the GPS satellites and the distribution of the azimuth angle appears, it is necessary for positioning. By judging whether the GPS satellite cannot be acquired because the error of the previous current position is large, the error of the previous current position with respect to the actual current position can be estimated accuracy. By minimizing performance degradation even if it exceeds circumference, it is possible to improve the performance of the normal to narrow the estimated accuracy range of the current position of the last time.
[0090]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to the first aspect, the approximate position input determination unit uses a level of a satellite signal received by the GPS receiver as a capturing state of the GPS satellite. If the level of this satellite signal is lower than a predetermined level set in advance, it is determined that the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit is the initial position. Since it can be used as a criterion for determining whether a satellite is being acquired, performance degradation is minimized even when the error between the actual current position and the last obtained current position (previous current position) exceeds the estimated accuracy range. By limiting the range to the minimum, it is possible to narrow the estimation accuracy range of the previous current position and to improve the performance at the normal time.
[0091]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the GPS positioning device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, a timer is provided, and the timer determines that the rough position input by the rough position input unit is the initial position. Since it starts, try using the current position (last previous position) last obtained for the time until the timer fires, and then consider inputting the approximate position. It is possible to improve the performance when the movement is small and to minimize the performance degradation even when the movement from the previous current position is large.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram when an area of a wireless base station is used.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a GPS positioning device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of the GPS positioning device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 approximate position input section
2 GPS receiver
3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E Schematic position input determination unit
4 Wireless communication unit
5 Positioning history storage
6 timer

Claims (12)

A rough position input unit for inputting a rough position of the current position when necessary;
A GPS receiver that includes a GPS receiver, receives satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites based on the initial position, and obtains a current position from these satellite signals;
A result of comparison between the estimated accuracy of the actual current position for the current position last obtained by the GPS receiving unit and the accuracy of the actual current position of the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit, or the GPS reception And a rough position input determining unit for determining whether or not to input the rough position as the initial position from the rough position input unit to the GPS receiving unit based on a capturing state of the GPS satellite by the unit. Features a GPS positioning device. The GPS positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the approximate position input determination unit calculates the estimation accuracy using an elapsed time from a time when a current position is last obtained by the GPS reception unit. The GPS positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the rough position input determination unit calculates the estimation accuracy according to a user's action pattern. The approximate position input determination unit obtains an estimation accuracy for the actual current position for the current position last obtained by the GPS reception unit, and calculates the estimated accuracy and the actual accuracy for the approximate position input by the approximate position input unit. Is compared with the accuracy with respect to the current position, and if a comparison result indicating that the estimation accuracy is better is obtained, the current position last obtained by the GPS receiver is set as the initial position, while the estimation is performed. 2. The GPS positioning device according to claim 1, wherein if a comparison result indicating that the accuracy is lower is obtained, a rough position input by the rough position input unit is determined as the initial position. The approximate position input determination unit determines a width corresponding to the accuracy of the predetermined approximate position by determining that the approximate position is input as the initial position to the GPS receiving unit from the approximate position input unit. Selecting one area from a plurality of areas having the same, inputting the approximate position of this area to the GPS receiver as the initial position, and if the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiver at the initial position, Selecting another area from the area, inputting the approximate position of this area as the initial position to the GPS receiver, and if the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiver at the initial position, the plurality of areas are selected. 2. The GPS positioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein another area is sequentially selected from and the same processing is repeated. If the rough position input determination unit determines that the rough position is input as the initial position to the GPS receiving unit from the rough position input unit, the current position obtained last is obtained from the plurality of areas. Selecting an area closest to the area to which it belongs, inputting the approximate position of this area to the GPS receiver as the initial position, and if the current position cannot be obtained from the GPS receiver at the initial position, the plurality of areas From, select an area next to the area to which the last obtained current position belongs, input the approximate position of this area as the initial position to the GPS receiver, and from the GPS receiver at the initial position If the current position is not obtained, an area next to the area to which the last obtained current position belongs is sequentially selected from the plurality of areas. GPS positioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that the same processing is repeated Te. A positioning history holding unit that holds a priority order list including each information of the plurality of areas and the number of times assigned to each of the plurality of areas,
The approximate position input determination unit updates the priority list by increasing the number of times assigned to the area to which the current position belongs, if the current position is obtained by the GPS reception unit, and updates the approximate position input unit. If it is determined that the approximate position is input to the GPS receiving unit as the initial position, an area assigned the largest number of times from each area of the priority list is selected, and the approximate position for this area is determined. If the current position is not obtained from the GPS receiving unit at the initial position as the initial position, an area to which the next largest number is assigned is selected from each area in the priority list. Inputting the approximate position of this area as the initial position to the GPS receiver, and using the initial position as the current position from the GPS receiver. If is obtained, GPS positioning device according to claim 5, wherein the repeating similar processing area number often the next from each area of the priority list is assigned are sequentially selected. The approximate position input determination unit uses the number of GPS satellites for which satellite signals are being received by the GPS receiver as the capturing state of the GPS satellites, and the number of GPS satellites is necessary to determine the current position. 2. The GPS positioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the number of GPS satellites is not more than a predetermined number, the rough position input by the rough position input unit is determined as the initial position. The approximate position input determining unit is an index indicating how much the accuracy of the current position obtained by the GPS receiving unit is deteriorated by the arrangement of the GPS satellites as the capturing state of the GPS satellite. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a DOP having a larger value is used, and if the DOP is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that a rough position input by the rough position input unit is the initial position. 2. The GPS positioning device according to 1. The approximate position input determination unit uses the elevation angle and the azimuth angle of the GPS satellite whose satellite signal is being received by the GPS receiver as the acquisition state of the GPS satellite, and the elevation angle and the azimuth angle are respectively set in advance. 2. The GPS positioning device according to claim 1, wherein if the angle is not within the set ranges of the elevation angle and the azimuth, the rough position input by the rough position input unit is determined to be the initial position. The approximate position input determination unit uses the level of the satellite signal received by the GPS receiver as the capture state of the GPS satellite, and if the level of the satellite signal is lower than a predetermined level set in advance. 2. The GPS positioning device according to claim 1, wherein a determination is made that a rough position input by the rough position input unit is the initial position. The GPS positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a timer, wherein the timer starts to determine a rough position input by the rough position input unit as the initial position.

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