JP2005241391A - Mobile navigation terminal and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile navigation terminal capable of switching selectively a plurality of matching processing modes, in the mobile navigation terminal in a navigation system having a plurality of mapping processing functions. <P>SOLUTION: In this mobile navigation terminal in the navigation system comprising an information distribution computer system 30 and the mobile navigation terminal 10, and having a map matching processing means 121 and a route matching processing means 122, the mobile navigation terminal 10 is provided with a matching mode selecting means 123 to detect a using condition of the mobile navigation terminal by the matching mode selecting means 123, so as to determine selective effectuation in either of the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means, or nullification in both of the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable navigation terminal and a program in a navigation system that guides a route from a current position to a target position to a user, and in particular, a map matching process for correcting an error due to a user's current position positioning accuracy. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a portable navigation terminal and a program in a navigation system that can select a matching mode according to a situation in a navigation system having a function of route matching processing.

  Conventionally, when visiting a destination place on an unknown land, the user arrives while checking the roads, landmarks, and addresses drawn on the map using a map book or the like. In a car equipped with a car navigation system (hereinafter simply referred to as a car navigation system), a guidance displayed on a monitor screen or a voice output guidance (navigation) by starting the car navigation system and inputting a destination. Information) was reached.

  The car navigation system uses GPS (Global Positioning System), receives GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites flying on the earth with a GPS antenna, The position is specified by analyzing the included satellite position, distance information between the satellite and the receiver, clock information, and the like. At least four GPS satellites are required. The single positioning accuracy of GPS is generally over 10 m, but it is improved to 5 m or less by adopting DGPS (Differential GPS).

  In recent years, the performance of mobile communication terminal devices such as mobile phones and PHSs has been dramatically improved, and the number of functions has been increasing. In particular, the data communication function is strengthened in addition to the telephone call function, and various data communication services are provided to the user via the Internet. A navigation service is one of them, and attempts are being made to provide route guidance from the current position to the destination for not only automobile drivers but also mobile phone users.

  For example, the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-28662) discloses a navigation system using a mobile phone with a GPS function. This navigation system includes means for receiving GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites with a GPS functioning mobile phone having a GPS receiving unit, a GPS control unit, and a GPS antenna built in the mobile phone, and the plurality of GPS signals. Means for packet-transmitting the position information obtained by analyzing the satellite position and the distance information between the satellite receivers and the clock information, and the data such as the telephone number of the mobile phone with GPS function and the search information; A map service having means capable of receiving and detecting the location of the mobile phone with GPS function and the destination and transmitting map data of appropriate scale, map information such as route information and distance to the mobile phone with GPS function A center is arranged.

  Further, the present applicant has already disclosed a navigation system using a mobile phone as a terminal in the following Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-214860). As shown in FIG. 6, this navigation system is composed of a mobile terminal (mobile phone) 1 and a data communication service center (information distribution computer system) 3 connected to a mobile communication network 2. Connected to the communication service center 3 to receive a desired data communication service. When the mobile terminal 1 is a mobile phone or PHS, a call can be made with a desired partner (a fixed phone, a mobile phone, a PHS, etc.) via the mobile communication network 2 through the mobile communication base station or the telephone line network. it can. The data communication service center 3 is configured to provide a route navigation service in response to a request from the mobile terminal 1 as follows.

  That is, when a route search request including location information of the departure place and the destination is issued from the portable terminal 1, the information distribution computer system of the data communication service center 3 uses the road data accumulated in the accumulation means to start from the departure place. The optimum route connecting to the destination is searched, and the searched route data is temporarily stored in the storage means as guide route data. When display map information specifying the position coordinates and the guide route is requested from the portable terminal 1, the information distribution computer system of the data communication service center 3 displays the map in the vector format around the position coordinates specified by the storage means. Map data and designated guide route data are read out, the guide route data is converted into vector data for drawing a road in a specific color, incorporated into map data, and then sent to the requesting mobile terminal 1 It is.

  Although not shown, the portable terminal 1 is equipped with a GPS receiver for positioning the current position as it moves, and performs GPS positioning at a predetermined cycle. The portable terminal 1 issues a request for display map information to the information distribution computer system of the data communication service center 3 when there is a shortage in display map information as a result of GPS positioning. The information distribution computer system of the data communication service center 3 is provided with storage means for storing road data (map data), landmarks such as buildings on the map, intersection names, road names, and the like. Has been. These data are maintained by acquiring the latest data from the information distribution computer systems 5 and 6 that distribute the map via the Internet 4.

  By the way, in the navigation apparatus and navigation system using the portable terminal such as the car navigation system and the cellular phone described above, the positioning data of the current position of the moving navigation apparatus and the portable navigation terminal includes an error. Processing for correcting the position on the road of the map or on the guide route is performed. In general, the former is called map matching processing, and the latter is called route matching processing.

  The map matching process is disclosed in, for example, the following Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-178777). The navigation device disclosed in Patent Document 3 relates to a car navigation system. In the navigation device mounted on a vehicle, when the position of the measured vehicle deviates from the road on the map, the nearest road is detected and the vehicle The current position is corrected on the road.

  The route matching process is disclosed in, for example, the following Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-31061). The navigation device disclosed in Patent Document 4 relates to a car navigation system. In the navigation device mounted on a vehicle, when the position of the measured vehicle deviates from the guidance route (route), the nearest guidance route is detected. The current position of the vehicle is corrected on the guide route.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-28662 (FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-214860 (FIG. 1) JP-A-8-178777 (paragraphs [0020], [0028]) JP 2002-31061 A (paragraphs [0007] and [0008])

  As described above, in recent years, navigation systems using mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs have been realized, and the choices of users who drive automobiles are also expanding. For this reason, it is easily assumed that a portable navigation terminal having a navigation function is brought into an automobile to receive a navigation service instead of a conventional navigation apparatus installed in a vehicle.

  There are the following basic differences between using navigation in a moving vehicle and using navigation while walking. That is, when navigation is used in a vehicle, the movement is limited on the road, and the moving speed is also a traveling speed of the automobile, which is much faster than the moving speed in the case of walking. In general, it is said that the map matching process is suitable when the moving speed is fast, and the route matching process is suitable when the moving speed is relatively slow. This is because when the moving speed is low, the course vector is not determined and the map matching process may correct the position on a different road existing in the vicinity.

  On the other hand, when using navigation while walking, since a detailed map for walking is used, road data is densely present up to a fine alley. Since the pedestrian does not necessarily walk (meander) in parallel with the road, the course vector may not be parallel to the road and may not be correctly matched. Moreover, a pedestrian does not necessarily walk only on the road, but may go straight in a park or a plaza, and if it performs a matching process, it will become incorrect guidance. Furthermore, particularly in urban areas, if the accuracy of the GPS system decreases due to the influence of multipaths, a problem arises in that matching processing is performed on another nearby road or route.

  The reason why such a problem occurs is that the navigation devices disclosed in Patent Literature 3 and Patent Literature 4 do not assume a plurality of different usage forms, and the matching processing is either map matching or route matching. This is because the design was fixed. Accordingly, there is a problem that the user cannot perform flexible matching processing according to the state in which the mobile navigation terminal is used, including the option of not selecting matching processing.

  The inventor of the present application has made various studies in order to solve the above-described problems. As a result, the navigation device or the navigation system has a function of performing a plurality of matching processes. Focusing on the fact that the above problem can be solved by configuring the navigation terminal so that the matching processing function can be selectively switched, the present invention has been completed.

  That is, the present invention aims to solve the above-described problems, and is a portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having a plurality of matching processing functions, wherein the plurality of matching processing functions can be selectively switched. The object is to provide a terminal and a program.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is based on the current position information indicating the position of the mobile navigation terminal and the map information. Map matching processing means for performing map matching to match on the road,
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
A portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
The portable navigation terminal detects a state in which the portable navigation terminal is used, and selectively enables either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit, or the map matching processing unit and It is characterized by comprising a matching mode selection means for determining whether any of the route matching processing means is invalidated.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2 of the present application, in the portable navigation terminal of claim 1, the matching mode selecting means detects that the matching mode selecting means is mounted on an automobile and makes the map matching processing means effective. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 3 of the present application is the portable navigation terminal of claim 2, wherein the matching mode selection means includes output data of GPS means built in the portable navigation terminal and output data of GPS means mounted on the automobile. It is characterized in that it is detected that the portable navigation terminal is mounted on an automobile by identifying the difference.

According to claim 4 of the present application, in the portable navigation terminal of claim 1, the portable navigation terminal includes a first counter means for counting the number of errors of the map matching processing means, and the number of errors of the route matching processing means. Second counting means for counting
The matching mode selection means preferentially enables the map matching processing means over the route matching processing means, and disables the map matching processing means when the count value of the first counter means exceeds a set value. The matching processing means is validated, and when the count value of the second counter means exceeds a set value, the route matching processing means is invalidated and a mode without matching is set.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 of the present application is the portable navigation terminal of claim 1, wherein the portable navigation terminal has a counter means for counting the number of errors of the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means,
The matching mode selection means preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means,
When the count value of the counter means exceeds a set value, the map matching processing means is disabled to enable the route matching processing means, or the route matching processing means is disabled to enter the no matching mode. .

  The invention according to claim 6 of the present application is the portable navigation terminal according to claim 1, wherein the portable navigation terminal includes a use purpose selection unit for setting a use purpose, and the matching mode selection unit includes the use purpose selection unit. It is determined whether to selectively enable either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means or to disable both the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means based on the setting by It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 7 of the present application is the portable navigation terminal according to claim 1, wherein the matching mode selecting means determines the size of map information to be used, and the map matching processing means or route matching processing means. It is characterized in that it is determined whether any one of the above is selectively validated or whether both the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means are invalidated.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 of the present application is based on the current position information indicating the position of the mobile navigation terminal and the map information, and matches the current position of the mobile navigation terminal on a nearby road obtained from the map information. Map matching processing means for performing matching;
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
A portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
A matching mode switching unit for selectively enabling either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit, or determining whether to disable either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit; ,
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 9 of the present application is a map for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby road obtained from the map information based on the current position information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal and the map information. Map matching processing means for performing matching;
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
In a computer constituting a portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
Detecting the state in which the portable navigation terminal is used, and selectively enabling either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means, or any of the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means Is a program for executing a process for determining whether or not to invalidate.

  The invention according to claim 10 of the present application is the computer apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the program performs a process of detecting that the portable navigation terminal is mounted on the vehicle and enabling the map matching processing means. It is made to perform.

  The invention according to claim 11 of the present application is the program according to claim 10, wherein the program identifies a difference between output data of GPS means built in the portable navigation terminal and output data of GPS means mounted on the automobile. Then, the computer device is caused to execute processing for detecting that the portable navigation terminal is mounted on a car.

The invention according to claim 12 of the present application is the program according to claim 9, wherein the program preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means,
When the count value of the first counter means that counts the number of errors in the map matching processing means exceeds a set value, the map matching processing means is disabled and the route matching processing means is enabled;
When the count value of the second counter means that counts the number of errors in the route matching processing means exceeds the set value, the process of disabling the route matching processing means and setting the mode without matching;
Is executed by the computer device.

The invention according to claim 13 of the present application is the program according to claim 9, wherein the program preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means,
If the count value of the counter means for counting the number of errors in the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means exceeds the set value, the map matching processing means is disabled and the route matching processing means is enabled, or the route matching processing Disabling the means to enter the no matching mode;
Is executed by the computer.

  The invention according to claim 14 of the present application is the program of claim 9, wherein the program determines the size of map information to be used and selects either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means. The computer is caused to execute a process for determining whether to make it effective or to disable both the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the ninth aspect, the portable navigation terminal includes a use purpose selection unit that sets a use purpose, and the program is based on a setting by the use purpose selection unit. Processing for determining whether to selectively enable either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means or to disable both the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means A feature of having the program executed.

The invention according to claim 16 of the present application is a map for matching the current position of the mobile navigation terminal on a nearby road obtained from the map information based on the current position information indicating the position of the mobile navigation terminal and the map information. Map matching processing means for performing matching;
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
A computer device constituting a portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
Either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit is selectively enabled based on the output of the matching mode switching unit, or both the map matching processing unit and the route matching processing unit are disabled. It is a program characterized by executing a process for determining whether or not.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the portable navigation terminal detects a state in which the portable navigation terminal is used, and selectively enables either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means, or Matching mode selection means for determining whether to disable both map matching processing means and route matching processing means, so the matching mode can be determined flexibly according to the state in which the mobile navigation terminal is used become able to. For example, the map matching process is effective when the mobile navigation terminal is mounted on an automobile and used, and the navigation can be received in a mode without the matching process when used in a walking state.

  In the invention according to claim 2, since the map matching processing means is validated by detecting that the portable navigation terminal of claim 1 is mounted on an automobile, it is suitable for a state where the portable navigation terminal is used. The matching mode can be automatically activated.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the portable navigation terminal according to claim 2 identifies the difference between the output data of the GPS means built in itself and the output data of the GPS means mounted on the automobile, and the portable navigation terminal becomes an automobile. So that it can be easily determined that it is mounted on a vehicle, and a matching mode suitable for the state in which the portable navigation terminal is used can be automatically enabled. Become.

  In the invention according to claim 4, when the portable navigation terminal of claim 1 preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means, and the number of errors of the map matching processing means exceeds a set value Because the map matching processing means is disabled and the route matching processing means is enabled, and if the number of errors in the route matching processing means exceeds the set value, the route matching processing means is disabled and the mode without matching is set. An appropriate matching mode can be automatically enabled based on the number of errors of each matching processing means according to the state in which the portable navigation terminal is used.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the portable navigation terminal of claim 1 preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means, and sets the number of errors of the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means. If the value is exceeded, the map matching processing means is disabled and the route matching processing means is enabled, or the route matching processing means is disabled and the no matching mode is set, so the portable navigation terminal is used. An appropriate matching mode can be automatically enabled based on the number of errors of each matching processing means according to the state.

  In the invention according to claim 6, the matching mode selection means selectively enables either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means based on the setting of the use purpose selection unit for setting the use purpose, or Since it is determined whether to invalidate either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means, the matching mode according to the usage status of the portable navigation terminal set by the user can be made to function.

  In the invention according to claim 7, the matching mode selection means determines the size of the map information to be used, and selectively enables either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means, or Since the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means are both determined to be invalidated, the number of errors of each matching processing means can be determined according to the state in which the portable navigation terminal is used. The appropriate matching mode can be automatically enabled.

  In the invention according to claim 8, either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit is selectively enabled by the matching mode switching unit, or any one of the map matching processing unit and the route matching processing unit is selected. Can also be switched, and the user can determine an arbitrary matching mode according to the usage status of the portable navigation terminal.

  According to the ninth to sixteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program that causes a computer constituting the portable navigation terminal to execute the processes of the first to eighth aspects.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system using a portable navigation terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system using a portable navigation terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selecting a matching mode in the portable navigation terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another procedure for selecting a matching mode in the portable navigation terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system using a portable navigation terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system using the portable navigation terminal 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a cellular phone as the portable navigation terminal 10 having GPS means. The mobile navigation terminal 10 is used to make a call with another mobile phone via the mobile communication network 20 and to be connected to a data communication service center (information distribution computer system) 30 to receive a navigation service described later. . That is, the mobile navigation terminal 10 can make a call with a desired partner (a fixed phone, a mobile phone, a PHS, etc.) through the mobile communication network 20 through the mobile communication base station and the telephone line network, and data The information distribution computer system 30 of the communication service center is configured to perform route navigation services in response to requests from the portable navigation terminal 10.

  For this reason, the information distribution computer system 30 searches for a route from the database such as a map database, a traffic information database, a railway line database, and the destination and current position information transmitted from the portable navigation terminal 10 to the destination, A navigation processing unit is provided that creates guide route data and transmits map data in the vicinity including the current position of the mobile navigation terminal 10 and the guide route data to the mobile navigation terminal 10.

  The mobile navigation terminal 10 is mainly configured by a calculation control unit (CPU) 11 composed of a microcomputer, and in the same manner as a normal mobile phone, a storage unit (RAM) 13, a communication unit 15, a power supply unit 16, and an operation unit 17. And a display unit 18 and further includes a control memory 12 and GPS means 14 including a receiver for receiving GPS satellite signals. Each of these elements is connected to the internal bus 111 and operates under the control of the arithmetic control unit 11.

  The GPS means 14 is mainly configured of a receiver that receives signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, receives signals from the plurality of GPS satellites at predetermined time intervals under the control of the navigation control module, and is a distance from each satellite. Is used to calculate the current position (latitude, longitude), and based on this, various requests are transmitted to the information distribution computer system 30. By adding a temporal element to the current position calculation result, it is also possible to calculate the moving speed and direction of the portable navigation device, and these data can also be transmitted to the information distribution computer system 30. In FIG. 1, the communication unit 15 expresses circuit functions related to communication in such data communication mode communication and original voice communication as a mobile phone as a whole.

  The arithmetic control unit 11 operates the portable navigation terminal 10 under the control of an application program for navigation stored in the control memory 12. The control memory 12 includes a map matching processing unit 121, a route matching processing unit 122, and a matching mode selection unit 123, which will be described later.

  Since the positioning data of the current position of the portable navigation terminal 10 includes an error, processing for correcting the measured current position on the road on the map or on the guidance route is performed. The map matching processing unit 121 performs the former map matching processing, and the route matching processing unit 122 performs the latter route matching processing. In the present application, the map matching mode is a state in which the map matching processing unit 121 is enabled and the navigation system is operating, and the route matching mode is a state in which the route matching processing unit 122 is enabled and the navigation system is operating. A state where none of the matching processing means is enabled is referred to as a no matching mode. It is matching that determines whether either the map matching processing unit 121 or the route matching processing unit 122 is selectively enabled, or whether either the map matching processing unit 121 or the route matching processing unit 122 is disabled. This is mode selection means 123.

  The matching mode selection unit 123 detects the state in which the mobile navigation terminal 10 is used and determines the matching mode. For example, if the matching mode selection unit 123 detects that the mobile navigation terminal 10 is mounted on the vehicle, the matching mode selection unit 123 Enables map matching mode. Various methods can be used for detecting that the portable navigation terminal 10 is mounted on the vehicle. For example, a detection switch is provided on a vehicle-mounted base and detection is performed by this, and data for walking and vehicle is added to the output format of the GPS means 14, and this is output as a detection method and a gyro installed in the vehicle. There are a method for detecting a gyro signal, a vehicle speed pulse output from a vehicle speedometer, and the like. The processing procedure of the matching selection means 123 will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the portable navigation terminal 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the navigation system shown in FIG. 1, and the portable navigation terminal 10 has a portable navigation terminal of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) except that the operation unit 17 has a use purpose selection unit. The configuration is the same as that of the terminal 10. The use purpose selection unit provided in the operation unit 17 can be configured by a key operation means or the like. For example, the mobile navigation terminal 10 is used for the purpose of route guidance (route search) to the destination, or simply map data reference. The matching mode selection unit 123 sets the map matching unit 121 or the route matching processing unit 122 to be selectively effective based on the setting by the usage purpose selection unit. To do.

  Next, a processing procedure of the matching mode selection unit 123 of the portable navigation terminal 10 in the first and second embodiments will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the matching mode selection unit 123. When the navigation process is started in the portable navigation terminal 10, the matching mode selection unit 123 first determines in step S10 whether the portable navigation terminal 10 is in a vehicle-mounted state.

Whether or not the portable navigation terminal 10 is in an on-vehicle state may be any one or more of the following methods.
(1) A switch is provided on a vehicle-mounted base for detection.
(2) Data (for walking / vehicle) is added to the output format of the GPS means, and the difference is detected from this data.
(3) When the GPS means is different for in-vehicle use and walking use, the difference in format is recognized and detected.
(4) A vehicle gyro signal is detected and detected.
A vehicle speed pulse is detected and detected.
(5) The movement speed is detected from the GPS data and detected.
(6) The degree of meandering is detected from the GPS data and detected.
(7) The position is detected from the GPS, and it is detected whether the vehicle is on an automobile-only road.
(8) Detect with map scale and map information size (mesh size separated by latitude and longitude).
(9) Detect whether the map data is car data.
(10) By the type of car mark (for cars)
(11) The degree of shaking of the acceleration sensor is detected.
(12) Detect by route search parameters.

  For example, in the case of the above methods (2) or (3), GPS means is separately mounted on the vehicle. This is because the GPS means built in the portable navigation terminal cannot provide sufficient sensitivity when mounted on the vehicle, so only the GPS means is mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle, and the portable navigation terminal is mounted on the vehicle. This is because it is preferable to use the GPS means. In such a configuration, the format of the positioning data output from the GPS means mounted on the vehicle and the format of the serial data (positioning data) output from the GPS means built in the portable navigation terminal are different. Therefore, it can be determined that the portable navigation terminal is mounted on the vehicle from the difference in the format of the output data.

  When it is detected that the portable navigation terminal 10 is mounted on the vehicle by any one of these methods, the matching mode selection means 123 activates the map matching processing means 121 in step S14 and puts the portable navigation terminal 10 in the map matching mode. To finish the process.

  When the portable navigation terminal 10 is not mounted on the vehicle in step S10, the matching mode selection unit 123 determines whether or not there is a setting by the use purpose selection unit (see the operation unit 17 in FIG. 2) in step S11. If there is no setting by the purpose of use selection unit, the process proceeds to step S13, and it is determined whether or not there is a guidance route by route search. If there is a guidance route, the matching mode selection unit 123 activates the route matching processing unit 122 in step S15 to set the portable navigation terminal 10 to the route matching mode, and ends the process.

  If there is a setting by the purpose of use selection unit in step S11, the matching mode selection unit 123 determines whether or not the route search is set in step S12. If the route search is designated, the process proceeds to step S13, and it is determined whether or not there is a guidance route by the route search. If there is a guidance route, the matching mode selection unit 123 activates the route matching processing unit 122 in step S15 to set the portable navigation terminal 10 to the route matching mode, and ends the process.

  If no route search is specified in step S12, the process proceeds to step S16, and the matching mode selection means 123 matches the portable navigation terminal 10 by invalidating both the map matching processing means 121 and the route matching processing means 122 in step S16. Set to None mode and end the process. In the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in which the portable navigation terminal 10 does not have a use purpose selection unit, the processing steps of steps S11 and S12 are omitted.

  Next, another processing procedure of the matching mode selection unit 123 in the portable navigation terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure of the matching mode selection unit 123. In the processing procedure of FIG. 4, the portable navigation terminal 10 includes a first counter unit (not shown) for counting the number of errors of the map matching processing unit, and a second counter for counting the number of errors of the route matching processing unit. Means (not shown). When the navigation processing is started in the portable navigation terminal 10, the matching mode selection unit 123 gives priority to the processing by the map matching processing unit 121 over the route matching processing unit 122.

  Then, the matching mode selection unit 123 first determines whether or not there is an error in the route matching processing unit 122 in step S20. If an error occurs, the second counter unit adds “1”. Since the map matching processing unit 121 is prioritized in the first processing, an error in the route matching processing unit 122 is not detected in step S20, and whether or not there is an error in the map matching processing unit 121 is determined in step S21. . If no error has occurred, the matching mode selection means 123 returns to step S20 without performing any processing (while keeping the map matching processing means 121 enabled).

  In step S21, if an error is detected in the map matching processing means 121, the first counter means is incremented by "1". In step S25, the count value of the first counter means is compared with the set value. If the count value of the first counter means does not exceed the set value, the process returns to step S20. If the count value of the first counter means exceeds the set value, the matching mode selecting means 123 refers to the route search result in step S27, and if there is a guidance route, the route matching processing means 122 is selected in step S28. To enable.

  In step S27, referring to the result of the route search, if there is a guidance route, the matching mode selection unit 123 disables the map matching processing unit 121 and the route matching processing unit 122 in step S29 and sets the mode without matching. On the other hand, when an error is detected in the route matching processing means 122 in step S20, the matching mode selection means 123 adds “1” to the second counter means in step S24. In step S26, the count value of the second counter means is compared with the set value. If the count value of the second counter means does not exceed the set value, the process returns to step S20. If the count value of the second counter means exceeds the set value, in step S29, the map matching processing means 121 and the route matching processing means 122 are disabled and the no matching mode is set.

  As described above, according to the processing procedure of FIG. 4, when navigation starts, the matching mode selection unit 123 first enables the map matching processing unit 121 with priority, and the map matching processing unit 121 sets the set number of times. If an error occurs exceeding that, the process proceeds to the route matching unit 122. If an error further occurs in the route matching processing unit 122 after the set number of times, the route matching processing unit is invalidated and the mode is switched to the non-matching mode. By detecting an error in the processing means 121 and the route matching processing means 122 and switching the matching mode, the matching mode can be flexibly switched according to the use status of the portable navigation terminal 10.

  Note that the processing procedure of FIG. 4 is a configuration provided with a counter unit for counting the number of errors of the map matching processing unit 121 and a counter unit for counting the number of errors of the route matching processing unit 122, respectively. The number of errors of the map matching processing unit 121 and the number of errors of the route matching processing unit 122 are counted by a single counter unit, and when the count value of the counter unit exceeds a set value, it becomes effective at that time. Depending on the matching mode, the map matching processing unit may be disabled to enable the route matching processing unit, or the route matching processing unit may be disabled to enter the no matching mode.

  In the two procedures for counting the number of errors described above, as a method of returning the map matching processing means 121 from the invalidated state to the valid state, a key means such as a reset key is provided to manually map matching processing means. In the method, a timer means is provided to return the map matching processing means 121 to be enabled at a certain period, a route search designation is detected, and this is used as a trigger to return the map matching processing means 121 to be enabled. Either method can be taken.

  Next, as another processing method of the matching mode selection unit 123 in the portable navigation terminal 10 of Example 1 or Example 2, a method of determining the matching mode based on map information in the navigation system will be described. In general, in a navigation system, map information transmitted from an information distribution server to a mobile navigation terminal is divided into meshes according to latitude and longitude, and map information of a plurality of meshes is distributed around the current position of the mobile navigation terminal. . For example, the mesh size includes primary mesh: 80 km square, secondary mesh: 10 km square, tertiary mesh: 1 km square, and quaternary mesh: 100 m square.

  When the portable navigation terminal is mounted on a car and used, primary or tertiary mesh map information is selected, and when used for walking, quaternary mesh map information is used. The portable navigation terminal has a zoom (ZOOM) selection function for selecting the size of a map to be used, and map information of a mesh size set by the user is transmitted to the portable navigation terminal by this zoom selection. Accordingly, the matching mode selection unit 123 determines the mesh size of the map information set by the zoom selection function. For example, if the map information is a primary mesh, the map matching processing unit 121 is enabled, and a secondary mesh or tertiary. In the case of a mesh, the route matching processing unit 122 can be validated, and in the case of a quaternary mesh, both the map matching processing unit 121 and the route matching processing unit 122 can be invalidated and the no-matching mode can be selected. In addition, this method can also be used for in-vehicle determination in the processing procedure of FIG. 3. When a map of primary mesh to tertiary mesh is used, for in-vehicle use, when a map of quaternary mesh is used It can be determined that it is for walking.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the portable navigation terminal 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system of the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the navigation system shown in FIG. 1, and the mobile navigation terminal 10 does not include the matching mode selection means unlike the embodiments of FIGS. The mode switching unit 19 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the portable navigation terminal 10 of the first and second embodiments. The matching mode switching unit 19 can be configured by key means, for example.

  The matching mode switching unit 19 includes key means for selecting one of the map matching processing means 121 and the route matching processing means 122, key means for selecting each of the map matching processing means 121 and the route matching processing means 122, and a map. A key unit for selecting a non-matching mode that invalidates both the matching processing unit 121 and the route matching processing unit 122 is provided, and the user can use the key of the portable navigation terminal 10 to determine the matching mode. Has been.

  According to the configuration of the third embodiment, the user can arbitrarily select an appropriate matching processing mode depending on the purpose of use and the use situation of the portable navigation terminal 10. For example, it is preferable to use the map matching mode when using on-vehicle, and the non-matching mode when using for walking. However, when a route search is received even when walking, the pedestrian walks on the road. Therefore, the map matching mode or the route matching mode may be selected. However, in this case, it is more preferable to select the route matching mode. This is because walking has a slow moving speed, and the course vector is not determined, and may match another road. However, when the walking environment is a mountainous area or a countryside, there is no problem even if the map matching mode is selected because the road is not dense.

  In the above embodiment, the map matching processing unit 121 and the route matching processing unit 122 are provided on the portable navigation terminal side, but these only have to exist in the configuration of the navigation system and function as a navigation server. The configuration may be provided on the information distribution computer system side.

  As described above, according to the mobile navigation terminal according to the present invention, in the navigation system having a plurality of mapping processing functions, the plurality of mapping processes can be flexibly selected according to the usage status of the mobile navigation terminal. A portable navigation terminal can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation system using the portable navigation terminal which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation system using the portable navigation terminal which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the matching mode selection in the portable navigation terminal which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of matching mode selection in the portable navigation terminal which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation system using the portable navigation terminal which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. It is a system block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation system using the conventional portable terminal.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... mobile navigation terminal 11 ... arithmetic control unit (CPU)
12... Control memory 121... Map matching processing means 122... Route matching processing means 123... Matching mode selection means 13.
14 ... GPS means 15 ... communication part 16 ... power supply part (battery)
Reference numeral 17 ... Operation unit 18 ... Display unit 19 ... Matching mode switching unit 20 ... Mobile communication network 30 ... Information distribution computer system 111 .. Internal bus

Claims (16)

Map matching processing means for performing map matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby road obtained from the map information based on the current position information and map information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
A portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
The portable navigation terminal detects a state in which the portable navigation terminal is used, and selectively enables either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit, or the map matching processing unit and A portable navigation terminal comprising: a matching mode selection unit that determines whether any of the route matching processing units is invalidated.   2. The portable navigation terminal according to claim 1, wherein the matching mode selection unit detects that the vehicle is mounted on an automobile and validates the map matching processing unit.   The matching mode selecting means detects the difference between the output data of the GPS means built in the portable navigation terminal and the output data of the GPS means installed in the automobile and detects that the portable navigation terminal is installed in the automobile. The portable navigation terminal according to claim 2, wherein the portable navigation terminal is configured as described above. The portable navigation terminal has first counter means for counting the number of errors of the map matching processing means, and second count means for counting the number of errors of the route matching processing means,
The matching mode selection means preferentially enables the map matching processing means over the route matching processing means, and disables the map matching processing means when the count value of the first counter means exceeds a set value. 2. The portable navigation terminal according to claim 1, wherein the matching processing means is enabled and the route matching processing means is disabled and the mode is set to no matching when the count value of the second counter means exceeds a set value. . The portable navigation terminal has a counter means for counting the number of errors of the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means,
The matching mode selection means preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means,
When the count value of the counter means exceeds a set value, the map matching processing means is disabled to enable the route matching processing means, or the route matching processing means is disabled to enter the no matching mode. The portable navigation terminal according to claim 1.   The portable navigation terminal includes a usage purpose selection unit for setting a usage purpose, and the matching mode selection unit selects either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit based on a setting by the usage purpose selection unit. 2. The portable navigation terminal according to claim 1, wherein the mobile navigation terminal determines whether to make it effective or to disable both the map matching processing unit and the route matching processing unit.   The matching mode selecting means determines the size of the map information to be used and selectively enables either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means, or the map matching processing means and the route The portable navigation terminal according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether any of the matching processing means is invalidated. Map matching processing means for performing map matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby road obtained from the map information based on the current position information and map information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
A portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
A matching mode switching unit for selectively enabling either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit, or determining whether to disable either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit; ,
A portable navigation terminal having a navigation function. Map matching processing means for performing map matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby road obtained from the map information based on the current position information and map information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
In a computer constituting a portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
Detecting the state in which the portable navigation terminal is used, and selectively enabling either the map matching processing means or the route matching processing means, or any of the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means A program for executing a process for determining whether to invalidate a program.   The program according to claim 9, wherein the program causes the computer device to execute a process of detecting that the portable navigation terminal is mounted on an automobile and enabling a map matching processing unit.   The program identifies the difference between the output data of the GPS means built in the portable navigation terminal and the output data of the GPS means installed in the automobile and detects that the portable navigation terminal is installed in the automobile. The program according to claim 10, which is executed by a computer device. The program preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means;
When the count value of the first counter means that counts the number of errors in the map matching processing means exceeds a set value, the map matching processing means is disabled and the route matching processing means is enabled;
When the count value of the second counter means that counts the number of errors in the route matching processing means exceeds the set value, the process of disabling the route matching processing means and setting the mode without matching;
The program according to claim 9, wherein the program is executed by the computer device. The program preferentially enables the map matching processing means to the route matching processing means;
If the count value of the counter means for counting the number of errors in the map matching processing means and the route matching processing means exceeds the set value, the map matching processing means is disabled and the route matching processing means is enabled, or the route matching processing Disabling the means to enter the no matching mode;
The program according to claim 9, wherein the computer is executed.   The program determines the size of map information to be used and selectively validates either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit, or the map matching processing unit and the route matching processing unit The program according to claim 9, which causes the computer to execute a process for determining whether to invalidate any of the above.   The portable navigation terminal includes a usage purpose selection unit for setting a usage purpose, and the program selectively enables either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit based on the setting by the usage purpose selection unit. The program according to claim 9, further comprising: causing the computer device to execute a process for determining whether to invalidate any of the map matching processing unit and the route matching processing unit. Map matching processing means for performing map matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby road obtained from the map information based on the current position information and map information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
Route matching processing means for performing route matching for matching the current position of the portable navigation terminal on a nearby route obtained from the route information based on current position information and route information indicating the position of the portable navigation terminal;
A computer device constituting a portable navigation terminal in a navigation system having
Either the map matching processing unit or the route matching processing unit is selectively enabled based on the output of the matching mode switching unit, or both the map matching processing unit and the route matching processing unit are disabled. A program for executing a process for determining whether or not.

Images